downgraded
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪdɪd/
KK: /ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪdɪd/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that has had its rating or status lowered.
Example
The downgraded service no longer meets the company's standards.
Conversation
Did you hear that the movie got downgraded to a lower rating?
Yeah, I saw that! It's surprising because the trailer looked great.
I guess the reviews weren't as good as expected.
True, sometimes the hype doesn't match the final product.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reduced
lowered
diminished
Antonyms
upgraded
enhanced
improved
verb
Definition
To lower the status, quality, or importance of something.
Example
The software was downgraded to an earlier version due to compatibility issues.
Tense Forms
Past: downgraded
Past Participle: downgraded
Conversation
Did you hear that they dropped our favorite show from the lineup?
Yeah, I saw that! It's such a shame they downgraded the schedule.
I really thought it was gaining popularity.
Root Explanation
Downgraded is formed from "down-" (meaning to a lower position) and "grade" (from Latin "gradus", meaning step or degree) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word means to lower someone or something to a lesser status or quality.
Memory Tip
Think of moving to a 'lower position' ('down-') in terms of 'steps' or 'degrees' ('grade') — that's why downgraded means to lower in status or quality.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.