downgrading
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪdɪŋ/
KK: /ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪdɪŋ/
noun
Definition
A reduction in quality, status, or value, often related to ratings or assessments.
Example
The downgrading of the company's credit rating affected its ability to borrow money.
Conversation
Did you hear about the company's downgrading in ratings?
Yeah, it's really surprising given how well they were doing before.
I wonder how this will affect their stock prices.
It might take a hit, but hopefully they can recover quickly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
decline
decrease
diminution
Antonyms
increase
upgrade
enhancement
verb
Definition
To lower the status, quality, or importance of something.
Example
The company is downgrading its services to cut costs.
Tense Forms
Past: downgraded
Past Participle: downgraded
Conversation
I heard you are downgrading your phone this week.
Yeah, I just want something simpler and more reliable.
That makes sense, sometimes less is more when it comes to tech.
Root Explanation
Downgrading → It is formed from "down-" (meaning lower or downward) and "grade" (from Old French *grade*, meaning step or degree) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action of). The word "downgrading" means the action of lowering the grade or status of something.
Memory Tip
Think of 'down-' meaning lower and 'grade' referring to a step or level — downgrading is the action of lowering something to a lower level.
Visually Confused Words
degrading