downgrade

1 of 2

noun

down·​grade ˈdau̇n-ˌgrād 

1

: a downward grade (as of a road)

2

: a descent toward an inferior state

a career on the downgrade

downgrade

2 of 2

verb

downgraded; downgrading; downgrades

transitive verb

1

: to lower in quality, value, status, or extent

2

: minimize, depreciate

Synonyms of downgrade

Noun

• deterioration
• decline
• degradation
• declination

Verb

• demote
• reduce

Examples of downgrade in a Sentence

Noun

a downgrade in the company's stock prices

a singing career on the downgrade

Verb

The restaurant was downgraded from three to two stars.

She didn't intend to downgrade the importance of her colleague's work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The downgrade is based on state unemployment records that reflect actual payrolls rather than the government’s monthly survey. —Rachel Barber, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026

As a reason for the downgrade, Horvers pointed to Mattel’s disappointing guidance, combined with limited visibility to material trend improvement in key brands such as Barbie and Fisher Price. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026

Verb

Once a thriving Crowne Plaza, the hotel was downgraded to a Radisson and then a Red Lion before closing abruptly in early 2020 when the state suspended its tax permit. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026

Prosecutors had downgraded the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. —Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for downgrade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

downgrade

1 of 2 noun

down·​grade -ˌgrād 

1

: a downward slope

2

: a lowering toward a worse condition

a neighborhood on the downgrade

downgrade adverb

downgrade

2 of 2 verb

: to lower in grade, rank, or standing