upgrade

[uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd, 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)

upgraded, upgrading 

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)

upgraded, upgrading 

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. improving or progressing, as in importance, status, health, etc

adjective

1. going or sloping upwards

adverb

1. up an incline, hill, or slope

Other Word Forms

• upgradable adjective
• upgradeable adjective
• upgradability noun
• upgradeability noun
• upgrader noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of upgrade¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; up- + grade

Example Sentences

And so far, it’s been an upgrade in every way imaginable.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"What? They've upgraded our clothes," one of the traders said with delight as he watched the show.

Read more on Barron's

There are planned upgrades to some of its civilian airports to allow them to transport soldiers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One reason for the upgrade is that while tariffs continue to weigh on the economy, there is more certainty around them.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Early work on the Chicago project is visible outside Jones’s office, where 111th street was recently upgraded to accommodate more traffic.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• boost 
• enhance 
• increase 
• promote 
• raise