Looking up...
promotion
/prəˈmoʊʃən/
advancement or publicity
She received a promotion to manager after two years.
She was advanced to a managerial position.
Business
formal
An advancement in rank or position within a job or organization.
After exceeding his sales targets, John earned a promotion to senior account executive.
John was advanced to a higher position due to his performance.
The company announced several promotions during the annual review.
The company announced several advancements in rank.
Often used in corporate or professional contexts.
formal
Publicity or advertising to increase sales or awareness of a product or service.
The new cereal brand launched a massive promotion with TV commercials and social media ads.
The brand used advertising to boost product visibility.
Black Friday is known for its aggressive retail promotions.
Black Friday features widespread sales and discounts.
Common in retail, advertising, and digital marketing.
general
The act of raising someone to a higher position or rank.
Her promotion to team leader was well-deserved.
She was raised to a leadership role.
Can refer to any formal advancement, not just in business.
Collocations
job promotionadvancement in employment ranksales promotiontemporary increase in sales through marketingpromotion opportunitieschances for career advancementpromotion campaignorganized effort to advertise a product
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish business vs. marketing meanings
Context is key: 'She got a promotion' (career) vs. 'The store ran a promotion' (advertising).
Gold Rule
Use 'promotion' for formal advancements
In resumes or formal contexts, use 'promotion' to describe career advancements (e.g., 'Promoted to Senior Manager in 2022').
Use 'promotion' for marketing campaigns
In business or advertising contexts, 'promotion' refers to sales or publicity efforts (e.g., 'The promotion included discounts and giveaways').
Word Origin
From Latin *promotio(n-)*, meaning 'a moving forward,' derived from *promovere* ('to move forward'), combining *pro-* ('forward') and *movere* ('to move'). First used in English in the 15th century with the sense of 'advancement in rank.' The marketing sense emerged in the 20th century.
Usage Notes
In business, 'promotion' refers to career advancement. In marketing, it refers to advertising efforts. Context determines the meaning. Avoid confusion with 'promotion' as in 'promotion of a product' vs. 'promotion at work.'
Word Breakdown
pro-
forward
prefix-motion
act of moving
rootEnglish Dictionary