upgrade

[ noun uhp-greyd; adjective adverb uhp-greyd; verb uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd ]

noun

1. an incline going up in the direction of movement.
2. an increase or improvement:

   an upgrade in the year's profit forecast.

3. a new version, improved model, etc.:

   The company is offering an upgrade of its sports sedan.

4. an increase or improvement in one's service, accommodations, privileges, or the like:

   If the ship isn't full we'll receive an upgrade to a deluxe stateroom.

5. something, as a piece of equipment, that serves to improve or enhance:

   a full range of upgrades available for your computer.

adjective

1. uphill; of, pertaining to, on, or along an upgrade.

adverb

1. up a slope.

verb (used with object)

, up·grad·ed, up·grad·ing.

1. to promote to a higher grade or rank:

   He has been upgraded to senior vice president.

2. to improve or enhance the quality or value of:

   to upgrade property by landscaping it.

verb (used without object)

, up·grad·ed, up·grad·ing.

1. to improve the quality, value, effectiveness, or performance of something:

   Buy this basic computer and upgrade whenever you're ready.

upgrade

verb

1. to assign or promote (a person or job) to a higher professional rank or position
2. to raise in value, importance, esteem, etc
3. to improve (a breed of livestock) by crossing with a better strain

noun

1. an upward slope
2. on the upgrade
   improving or progressing, as in importance, status, health, etc

adjective

1. going or sloping upwards

adverb

1. up an incline, hill, or slope

Derived Forms

• upˈgrader, noun

Other Words From

• up·grada·ble up·gradea·ble adjective
• up·grada·bili·ty up·gradea·bili·ty noun
• upgrader noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of upgrade¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; up- + grade

Example Sentences

Beating USC would make Foster’s first season an unqualified success and significantly boost his efforts to bring in the name, image and likeness dollars needed to upgrade the talent on his roster.

From Los Angeles Times

His private key - a digital key used to access the coins - was stored on his computer's hard drive, which he eventually removed when upgrading his PC and placed in a drawer in his desk.

From BBC

The Royal Academy of Engineering has recently called for an upgrade of the UK's sewage system and more widespread testing of the country's waterways.

From BBC

“I am still optimistic,” says economist Dr de la Rubia, who says that the need to upgrade Germany’s infrastructure is now “so obvious” that whoever forms the country’s next government will have to take action.

From BBC

The accident occurred when the bleachers in the auditorium, which were being upgraded, collapsed, according to several news outlets.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boost
• enhance
• increase
• promote
• raise