Crossword Clue:

DEMERIT to lower in status

AnswerCrossword Clue
DEMEANLower in status
DEGRADELower in status.
ABASELower in status
DECLASSLower in the social status
MORALEMental status, in regard to confidence, etc.
MFNStatus accorded by one state to another in worldwide trade (abbr.)
SPEICHERMichael, the Gulf War pilot whose status has been changed from "killed in action" to "missing"