downgrade

American  

[doun-greyd] / ˈdaʊnˌgreɪd /

noun

1. a downward slope, especially of a road.

---

adjective

1. downhill.

verb (used with object)

downgraded, downgrading

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.).

idioms

1. on the downgrade, in a decline toward an inferior state or position.

   His career has been on the downgrade.

downgrade British  

/ 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. waning in importance, popularity, health, etc

Other Word Forms

• downgrader noun

Etymology

Origin of downgrade

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; down ¹ + grade

Example Sentences

The “downgrade” isn’t a temporary dip — it’s a structural evolution.

From MarketWatch

But, with worries growing that spending will not be accompanied by much-needed reforms, some economists have in recent times downgraded their forecasts to between 0.8 and one percent expansion for 2026.

From Barron's

The couple, who Bovina describes as healthy, downgraded to a Bronze plan.

From MarketWatch

The weaker adjusted earnings run rate could drive a further 2%-3% cut to 2026 consensus adjusted Ebitda and around a 5% downgrade to consensus adjusted earnings per share.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sometimes, even good things can drive Wall Street analysts to downgrade stocks.

From Barron's

Related Words

• degrade
• demote
• devalue
• reduce
• undervalue