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

Airlines including American and Delta also have been upgrading some of their aircraft to help address the problem.

From The Wall Street Journal

Commissioned in November, it represents a marked upgrade from China’s first two carriers, which lack aircraft-launching catapults that are standard on American carriers.

From The Wall Street Journal

At a time when many commuters stop work to enjoy celebrations with friends and family, rail bosses get massive engineering projects and upgrades done.

From BBC

If a router is older than five years, it might need an upgrade.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mission goals included analyzing the performance of upgrades to Starship’s propulsion system and heat-shield tiles.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• boost
• enhance
• increase
• promote
• raise