Synonyms of downgrade

downgrade 1 of 3

noun

ˈdau̇n-ˌgrād 

1

as in deterioration

a change to a lower state or level

a singing career on the downgrade

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deterioration
• decline
• degradation
• declination
• descent
• downfall
• decrease
• eclipse
• decadence
• reduction
• fall
• devolution
• degeneration
• destruction
• ebb
• drop
• degeneracy
• dégringolade
• declension
• decay
• dissolution
• loss
• breakup
• dip
• decomposition
• dark age
• disintegration
• sunset
• crumbling
• slump
• depreciation
• spoiling
• nadir
• lowering
• debasement
• demolition
• rotting
• downturn
• ruin
• ruination
• diminution
• deflation
• falloff
• lessening
• decrement
• sag
• shrinkage
• havoc
• abasement
• diminishment
• decimation
• downtrend
• slip
• demolishment
• downslide
• abatement
• drop-off
• desolation
• de-escalation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• development
• rise
• growth
• evolution
• ascent
• advancement
• upswing
• renewal
• restoration
• increase
• flowering
• revitalization
• enhancement
• gain
• addition
• boost
• increment
• raise
• augmentation
• supplement
• flourishing
• blossoming
• accretion
• accrual
• heightening
• addendum

2

as in downhill

a downward slope

the gentle downgrade of the parking area is designed for drainage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• downhill
• dip
• decline
• descent
• fall
• hanging
• depression
• hang
• declivity
• declension
• basin
• hollow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• upgrade
• rise
• ascent
• uphill
• grade
• pitch
• hill
• gradient
• inclination
• tilt
• rake
• uprise
• lean
• acclivity
• incline
• glacis

downgrade

2 of 3

verb

1

as in to demote

to bring to a lower grade or rank

increased automation resulted in many jobs in the factory being downgraded

Synonyms & Similar Words

• demote
• reduce
• degrade
• dismiss
• bust
• sack
• downsize
• disrate
• can
• break
• lay off
• fire
• lower
• humiliate
• debase
• demean
• humble
• abase
• cashier

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• promote
• raise
• advance
• elevate
• hire

2

as in to reduce

to diminish the price or value of

the company's filing for Chapter 11 downgraded the stock to the point where it was selling for pennies a share

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• lower
• devalue
• depress
• devaluate
• attenuate
• sink
• cheapen
• write down
• shrink
• depreciate
• write off
• mark down
• break
• debase
• underestimate
• demonetize
• undervalue
• downsize
• underrate
• moderate
• contract
• compress
• lessen
• deflate
• underprice
• dwindle
• abridge
• de-escalate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• upgrade
• enhance
• appreciate
• mark up
• inflate
• blow up
• increase
• add
• overestimate
• expand
• extend
• maximize
• boost
• bloat
• augment
• raise
• escalate
• enlarge
• amplify
• heighten
• swell
• multiply
• compound
• overrate
• dilate
• overvalue
• up
• overprice
• aggrandize
• balloon

downgrade

3 of 3

adverb

as in downward

Related Words

• downward
• downhill
• down
• downstairs
• below
• over
• low
• facedown

Dissimilar Words

• up
• upward
• aloft
• upwardly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of downgrade

Noun

But — and this is a pigeon-sized but — the new camera on both the Nook and the Home is a bit of a downgrade compared to the Birdbuddy Pro ($339, but often on sale for less). — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026

Consumers are becoming increasingly selective, and compounding the overall sales picture is that China sportswear demand remained weak in September and early October, with consumption downgrade trends intensifying. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Verb

Cook said hospital leaders downgraded the unit after consulting with Lifepoint Health. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Moton, who made his return from blood clots last week, was later downgraded to out with an ankle and fibula injury. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026