1 B2 idiomatic informal
To demote someone to a lower rank or position.
"After the poor performance review, she was bumped down from senior to junior analyst."
separable
bump down
B2 informal separable transitive
To reduce someone's rank or status, or to lower a value or amount.
In plain English
To move someone to a lower position, or to make a number or price smaller.
What does "bump down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To reduce a price, figure, or amount.
"The seller agreed to bump the price down by a few hundred euros."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically knock or move something downward.
Actually means
To move someone to a lower position, or to make a number or price smaller.
Usage tip
Can refer to demoting a person, reducing a price, or lowering a numerical value. Less formal and less common than 'demote' or 'reduce'. Sometimes used in aviation for passengers being moved to a lower class of seat.
Words that pair with "bump down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
price rank class position seat grade
How to conjugate "bump down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bump down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bumps down
he/she/it
Past simple
bumped down
yesterday
Past participle
bumped down
have + pp
-ing form
bumping down
continuous
Hear "bump down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bump down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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