To reject a proposal, motion, or bill through a formal vote.
When a group votes and most people say 'no' to an idea or plan.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To defeat or reject a proposal, bill, or motion by means of a vote.
"The Senate voted down the proposed tax reform for the third time this year."
The House voted down the measure 228 to 205.
— The New York Times, various editions (common phrasing in US political reporting)
To outvote and thereby silence or override an individual or minority group.
"Every time Maria raised the issue, she was voted down by the rest of the committee."
To push something down with votes — the 'down' signals defeat or rejection.
When a group votes and most people say 'no' to an idea or plan.
Common in political, parliamentary, and corporate contexts. The object is typically a bill, proposal, motion, or amendment. Used widely in both British and American English.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "vote down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.