降格

• Reading: こうかく
• Romaji: koukaku
• Kanji breakdown: 降 (kou) — descend, lower; 格 (kaku) — rank, status, grade
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɯ.ka.kɯ/

Meaning

Demotion; relegation; downgrading. A reduction in rank or status within an organisation.

A noun and する-verb used in both workplace and sports contexts. In business: 降格処分 (demotion as disciplinary action), 降格人事 (demotion decision). In sports: 降格する (to be relegated to a lower league). The opposite is 昇格 (shoukaku, promotion). Can be used as both a transitive and intransitive verb with する.

Examples

1. 重大なミスが原因で課長から係長に降格された。 Due to a serious mistake, he was demoted from section chief to team leader.
2. そのチームは今シーズンの成績不振で二部リーグに降格した。 The team was relegated to the second division after a poor performance this season.
3. 降格を恐れて、誰もリスクを取ろうとしない。 Afraid of demotion, no one is willing to take any risks.

Usage Guide

Context: business, sports, human resources

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 降 (kou, descend/lower) + 格 (kaku, rank/status). Literally 'lowering in rank.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional