downgrade

[ doun-greyd ]

noun

1. a downward slope, especially of a road.

adjective

1. downhill.

verb (used with object)

, down·grad·ed, down·grad·ing.

1. to assign to a lower status with a smaller salary.
2. to minimize the importance of; denigrate:

   She tried to downgrade the findings of the investigation.

3. to assign a lower security classification to (information, a document, etc.).

downgrade

/ ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪd /

verb

1. to reduce in importance, esteem, or value, esp to demote (a person) to a poorer job
2. to speak of disparagingly

noun

1. a downward slope, esp in a road
2. on the downgrade
   waning in importance, popularity, health, etc

Other Words From

• downgrader noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of downgrade¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; down ¹ + grade

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the downgrade, in a decline toward an inferior state or position:

   His career has been on the downgrade.

Example Sentences

Even a seemingly benign downgrade — from “honorable” to “general discharge under honorable conditions” — makes a difference.

From Los Angeles Times

It came after warnings that a prolonged strike could lead to downgrades of Boeing's credit rating, which would make it more expensive for it to borrow money.

From BBC

It came after warnings that a prolonged strike could lead to downgrades to Boeing's credit rating that would make it more expensive for it to borrow money.

From BBC

"From a creator’s perspective, spending time on creating high quality content just for it to be downgraded to low resolution sucks," they said.

From BBC

Chinese consumers are going through a “consumption downgrade,” according to an analysis of mobile payment data by Shanghai Pulse Data Technology Co.

From Los Angeles Times