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Downgrade

UK //ˈdaʊnɡreɪd//US //ˈdaʊnɡreɪd//

Definition

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

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'.