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

After all the excitement and the hype about the apparent upgrade, then it is unthinkable for United to lose to the Tractor Boys, but imagine if they do drop points?

From BBC

Assethold said: "The increase in service charges over the past three years reflects essential infrastructure upgrades and inflationary pressures in the property sector."

From BBC

Under the airport proposal, the upgrades would involve a new runway and an improved passenger terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

From BBC

The refurbished devices either come from deceased individuals or those who need a pacemaker upgrade to a device with more advanced functions.

From Science Daily

In a new study published in Nature Chemical Engineering, the team demonstrated a way to upgrade 6PPD -- a molecule that provides UV protection to help the rubber found in tires last longer -- into safe chemicals.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• boost
• enhance
• increase
• promote
• raise