downgrade
Americannoun
adjective
verb (used with object)
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to assign to a lower status with a smaller salary.
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to minimize the importance of; denigrate.
She tried to downgrade the findings of the investigation.
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to assign a lower security classification to (information, a document, etc.).
idioms
verb
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to reduce in importance, esteem, or value, esp to demote (a person) to a poorer job
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to speak of disparagingly
noun
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a downward slope, esp in a road
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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.
Downgrade from a new Audi to a used Kia to slash your monthly payment?
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2024
Downgrade their championship worthiness, if you wish, based on the absence of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis for two and a half games in the first round.
From New York Times • Jul. 1, 2021
Moody’s Matches S&P on Quality Home Brands Downgrade Quality Home Brands Holdings LLC, a provider of lighting fixtures and ceiling fans, was given a one-notch downgrade by Moody’s Investors Service on Sept.
From BusinessWeek • Sep. 19, 2011
As he always does, Paul Krugman described "the stupid narrative" best in a short blog post, "The Downgrade Doom Loop."
From Salon • Aug. 9, 2011
Downgrade of municipal bonds across the country could send some communities into default.
From Washington Post • Aug. 4, 2011
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.
