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

During the presidential race, Trump, who is a resident of Florida, expressed his support for Amendment 3 along with President Joe Biden's efforts to downgrade marijuana to a Schedule III drug.

From Salon

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

Major ratings companies have warned that the stand-off could lead to a downgrade of the aerospace giant's credit rating, making it more expensive for the firm to borrow.

From BBC

For example, after Red Bull introduced their first upgrade of the season in Imola, two races later in Canada Mercedes technical director James Allison said he believed it had actually been a downgrade.

From BBC