C1verb 1K

Upgrade

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌʌpˈɡreɪd/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdz/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdɪd/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌʌpˈɡreɪd//ˈʌpɡreɪd/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdz//ˈʌpɡreɪdz/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdɪd//ˈʌpɡreɪdɪd/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdɪŋ//ˈʌpɡreɪdɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Upgrade

to make a machine, computer system, etc. more powerful and efficient; to start using a new and better version of a machine, system, etc.

In simple words: To make something better or to improve it.

Upgrade in a sentence

• We are constantly upgrading our software to meet customers' needs.
• customers who want to upgrade from version 4.2 to version 4.5
• Users can easily upgrade to the new version.
• to upgrade the town’s leisure facilities
• The towpath was upgraded for use by cyclists.
• On the flight back, we were upgraded to business class.

How to use Upgrade

Use 'upgrade' when talking about improving technology, services, or skills. It's appropriate in both casual and professional settings, but avoid it in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

upgrade + object

Memory hint

Think of a plane taking off to 'upgrade' to a higher altitude.

Related words

Collocations with Upgrade

• significantly
• substantially
• constantly
• from
• to
• with

Synonyms for Upgrade

• improve
• enhance
• boost
• refine
• advance

Opposites of Upgrade

• downgrade
• decline
• decrease

Common mistakes with Upgrade

• Confused with 'downgrade' which means to make worse.
• Using 'upgrade' as a noun instead of a verb.
• Mixing up 'upgrade' with 'update', which has a different meaning.

Frequently asked questions about Upgrade

What does Upgrade mean?

To make something better or to improve it.

What is the definition of Upgrade?

to make a machine, computer system, etc. more powerful and efficient; to start using a new and better version of a machine, system, etc.

How do you use Upgrade in a sentence?

We are constantly upgrading our software to meet customers' needs.

Can you give another example of Upgrade?

customers who want to upgrade from version 4.2 to version 4.5

What are synonyms for Upgrade?

Common alternatives include improve, enhance, boost, refine, advance.

What is the opposite of Upgrade?

Opposite meanings include downgrade, decline, decrease.

What words go with Upgrade?

It commonly pairs with significantly, substantially, constantly, from, to, with.

What are common mistakes when using Upgrade?

Confused with 'downgrade' which means to make worse. Using 'upgrade' as a noun instead of a verb. Mixing up 'upgrade' with 'update', which has a different meaning.

How do you pronounce Upgrade?

US: /["/ˌʌpˈɡreɪd//ˈʌpɡreɪd/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdz//ˈʌpɡreɪdz/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdɪd//ˈʌpɡreɪdɪd/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdɪŋ//ˈʌpɡreɪdɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˌʌpˈɡreɪd/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdz/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdɪd/","/ˌʌpˈɡreɪdɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Upgrade?

Use 'upgrade' when talking about improving technology, services, or skills. It's appropriate in both casual and professional settings, but avoid it in overly formal writing.

What CEFR level is Upgrade?

"Upgrade" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.