downgrade
Americannoun
adjective
verb (used with object)
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to assign to a lower status with a smaller salary.
-
to minimize the importance of; denigrate.
She tried to downgrade the findings of the investigation.
-
to assign a lower security classification to (information, a document, etc.).
idioms
verb
-
to reduce in importance, esteem, or value, esp to demote (a person) to a poorer job
-
to speak of disparagingly
noun
-
a downward slope, esp in a road
-
waning in importance, popularity, health, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of downgrade
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the early 2000s, Shamieh helped reinsurer Munich Re contend with a crippling ratings downgrade.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
The update brings Lidl's system more line with rival supermarket chains, though some have said it is a downgrade from rewards such as 10% off vouchers for spending £250 in a month.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
Meanwhile, overall smartphone shipments are expected to decline this year due to memory-chip shortages, a factor behind Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon’s recent downgrade of Qualcomm’s stock.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026
Earnings momentum is the fuel for an upgrade of U.S. stocks to overweight and simultaneous downgrade of European equities to neutral, according to one global bank.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026
It’s as if they don’t want to entirely lose the Mockingjay, but they want to downgrade my role to foot soldier.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
