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

Unlike Venezuela, which requires sophisticated diluents and upgrading to process its heavy crude, Iran benefits from conventional drilling and rich reservoir management experience.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dow stock rose on Monday after catching an upgrade to Buy.

From Barron's

The “PLA centenary goals” pegged to 2027 include overhauls to the military’s organizational structures, hardware upgrades and realistic training aimed at making China’s armed forces more agile and technologically adept.

From The Wall Street Journal

A Defra spokesperson said £2bn of water company investment had been secured over five years to restore chalk streams as well as upgrading the abstraction licensing system.

From BBC

Burger King last weekend had posted a video featuring Curtis debuting an upgraded Whopper.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• boost
• enhance
• increase
• promote
• raise