downgrade
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪd/
KK: /ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪd/
noun
Definition
A reduction in quality, status, or value, often referring to a lower level or position.
Example
The company announced a downgrade in its credit rating due to financial difficulties.
Conversation
Did you hear about the recent downgrade in the neighborhood's rating?
Yeah, it’s such a shame; I loved living there.
I wonder what caused the downgrade in the first place.
It might be the new construction; it really changed the vibe.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
decline
decrease
diminution
Antonyms
upgrade
increase
improvement
transitive verb
Definition
To reduce the level, status, or quality of something, often making it less important or valuable.
Example
The company decided to downgrade the employee's position due to budget cuts.
Tense Forms
Past: downgraded
Past Participle: downgraded
Conversation
Did you hear they plan to downgrade the software next month?
Yeah, I read that too, it's such a bad idea.
I can't believe they would downgrade something that was working fine.
Root Explanation
Downgrade → It is formed from "down" (meaning to a lower position) and "grade" (from Latin "gradus", meaning step or degree). The word "downgrade" means to lower something to a lesser degree or status.
Memory Tip
Think of moving something to a 'lower step' — 'down' indicates a lower position, and 'grade' refers to a level or degree.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.