downgrades; downgraded; downgrading
1
: to give (someone or something) a lower rank or grade
If you confess to the crime, we may be able to downgrade [=reduce] the charge.
The restaurant was downgraded from three to two stars.
a soldier downgraded [=demoted] in rank for misconduct
2
: to cause (someone or something) to be thought of as less valuable, important, etc.
She didn't intend to downgrade the importance of her colleague's work.
plural downgrades
chiefly US
1
: an area or surface that goes downward : a downward slope
a steep downgrade
2
: an occurrence in which something becomes worse, less valuable, etc.
a downgrade in the company's stock prices
slight downgrades in quality
Cite this Entry
“Downgrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/downgrade. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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