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Downgrade

UK //ˈdaʊnɡreɪd// US //ˈdaʊnɡreɪd// Pronunciation

Definition

To lower the status, quality, or importance of something.

Listen to definition

In simple words: To make something less important or lower in quality.

Examples

• The company decided to downgrade the software to fix the bugs.
• After the mishap, his position was downgraded from manager to assistant.
• They experienced a downgrading of services after the budget cuts.
• Be careful when you downgrade, as it can remove features.
• The police downgrading the threat level reassured the community.
• He felt his reputation was downgraded after the scandal.

Usage notes

Commonly used in business and technology contexts. Avoid using in overly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

downgrade + object

Memory hint

Think of a video game character going from a higher level to a lower one: downgrade means lower status.

Collocations

• downgrade software
• downgrade status
• downgrade services
• downgrade an account
• downgrade a product

Synonyms

• degrade
• demote
• devalue
• lower
• reduce

Common mistakes

• Using 'downgrade' when 'upgrade' is intended.
• Confusing 'downgrade' as an intransitive verb (does not take an object).
• Incorrect preposition use, such as saying 'downgrade to' instead of 'downgrade from'.