upgrade

[ noun uhp-greyd; adjective adverb uhp-greyd; verb 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)

, up·grad·ed, up·grad·ing.

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)

, up·grad·ed, up·grad·ing.

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. on the upgrade
   on the upgrade improving or progressing, as in importance, status, health, etc

adjective

1. going or sloping upwards

adverb

1. up an incline, hill, or slope

Derived Forms

• upˈgrader, noun

Other Words From

• up·grada·ble up·gradea·ble adjective
• up·grada·bili·ty up·gradea·bili·ty noun
• upgrader noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of upgrade¹

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

Example Sentences

Apple held its second-ever virtual-only product event on Tuesday that centered on upgrades for two major product lines, Apple Watch and iPad.

From Fortune

He also has an upgraded defensive supporting cast, which added a few pieces to help stop the Derrick Henrys of the world from running all over them.

From FiveThirtyEight

“I’m a big fan of capitalism, but like everything else, it needs an upgrade,” he says.

From Fortune

The new treadmill will likely go to market before the upgraded smart bike, in terms of availability, according to the report.

From TechCrunch

Also on the chopping block would be 8,400 jobs across the MTA system and further delays of long-planned upgrades to the system.

From Fortune

The Raptor is also difficult and expensive to maintain and is exceedingly difficult to upgrade.

From The Daily Beast

In the 70s it went through a brief stint as an X-rated adult cinema before an upgrade and clean sweep in the early 80s.

From The Daily Beast

(Free for limited access, upgrade for $15 a month or $80 a year; available for iOS) 2.

From The Daily Beast

First, the group is aiming to “upgrade” legislative seats currently held by Republicans.

From The Daily Beast

So there you have it—three simple, easy-to-use programs that biohackers use to upgrade their performance every day.

From The Daily Beast

As he swept upon the upgrade to the track, he heard from behind Peter Barrett's shout.

From Project Gutenberg

The Catholics, through their colegios (ecclesiastical schools) attempted to upgrade life.

From Project Gutenberg

Heat of a wind that might have come out of the fire-box of a Mogul on an upgrade pull.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, the red-roofed buildings of the Boyville School came into sight as they started upgrade.

From Project Gutenberg

The inference is obvious: that the Monarchists are on the upgrade, and the Republicans on the downgrade.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boost
• enhance
• increase
• promote
• raise