upgrade

American  

[uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd] / ˈʌpˌgreɪd, ˈʌpˈgreɪd, ʌpˈgreɪd, ˈʌpˌgreɪd /

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.

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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 British  

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

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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

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

Etymology

Origin of upgrade

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

Example Sentences

It’s the kind of ingredient that makes the whole dairy-free thing feel less like a workaround and more like an upgrade.

From Salon

The country aims to reverse military attrition, recruiting 2,500 personnel in the coming years, while upgrading aging bases and equipment.

From The Wall Street Journal

The upgrade is driven by sizable upward revisions for Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.

From The Wall Street Journal

Calling the US air traffic control system "old" and in need of an upgrade, Homendy urged against assigning blame.

From BBC

The Transportation Department is working to overhaul the air-traffic control system, seeking billions of dollars of additional funding to upgrade antiquated systems.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• boost
• enhance
• increase
• promote
• raise