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 revision means there is a one-in-three chance of a downgrade in the next year. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

To avoid that scenario, the deal with the Current is contingent on a financial feasibility study and a guarantee that the project would not lead to a downgrade in the city’s credit rating. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026

Verb

Netflix shares fell nearly 5 percent on Friday after Wells Fargo downgraded its stock and price target, citing concerns over user engagement. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

Citi downgraded Boston Scientific to hold from buy, saying a late August cybersecurity attack that disrupted manufacturing, order fulfillment and shipping will have hangover effects. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 17 Sep. 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