downgrade
[ doun-greyd ]
/ ˈdaʊnˌgreɪd /
Save This Word!
noun
a downward slope, especially of a road.
adjective, adverb
verb (used with object), down·grad·ed, down·grad·ing.
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.).
QUIZ
TEST YOUR MERIT ON THESE NEW WORDS IN 2021
The Dictionary added new words and definition to our vast collection, and we want to see how well-versed you are in the formally recognized new lingo. Take the quiz!
Question 1 of 8
What does JEDI stand for?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Idioms about downgrade
on the downgrade, in a decline toward an inferior state or position: His career has been on the downgrade.
OTHER WORDS FROM downgrade
downgrader, nounWords nearby downgrade
downfall, downfallen, downfield, downforce, down for the count, downgrade, downgrowth, downhaul, downhearted, downhill, downhill all the way
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use downgrade in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for downgrade
downgrade
/ (ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪd) /
verb (tr)
to reduce in importance, esteem, or value, esp to demote (a person) to a poorer job
to speak of disparagingly
noun
mainly US and Canadian a downward slope, esp in a road
on the downgrade waning in importance, popularity, health, etc
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012