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

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

But its low price comes with a downgrade to materials. —Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

Chappell cited ongoing demand headwinds that could affect FedEx's near-term earnings estimates for his downgrade. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025

Verb

Lululemon was downgraded to hold from buy at Needham, where analysts said the competitive environment is too challenging right now and consensus estimates still have room to fall. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025

One of the biggest reasons why users may consider downgrading to iOS 18 is the new Liquid Glass design. —PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

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