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Downgrade - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Downgrade means to reduce something to a lower rank, status, or quality. It can refer to lowering a position, value, or performance, such as downgrading a software version or a credit rating.

downgrade

/ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪd/ /ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪd/

Definition:

To reduce in rank, status, or quality.

Synonyms:

demote, lower, reduce, devalue

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

upgrade, promote

Common Collocations:

credit downgrade, downgrade status, downgrade rating

Derivatives:

downgraded, downgrading

Usage Tips:

Use "downgrade" to describe lowering something's rank or quality, often in formal contexts like jobs or ratings.

Common Phrases:

economic downgrade, downgrade alert, risk of downgrade

Etymology:

From "down-" (lower) + "grade" (level), first used in the early 20th century.

Examples:

  • 1. The company decided to downgrade his position due to poor performance.
  • 2. Her phone plan was downgraded to save money.
  • 3. The hotel received a downgrade after negative reviews.
  • 4. Investors feared a credit downgrade for the country.

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