upgrade

[ noun uhp-greyd; adjective, adverb uhp-greyd; verb uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd ]

/ noun ˈʌpˌgreɪd; adjective, adverb ˈʌpˈgreɪd; verb ʌpˈgreɪd, ˈʌpˌgreɪd /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR upgrade ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an incline going up in the direction of movement.

an increase or improvement: an upgrade in the year's profit forecast.

a new version, improved model, etc.: The company is offering an upgrade of its sports sedan.

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.

something, as a piece of equipment, that serves to improve or enhance: a full range of upgrades available for your computer.

adjective

uphill; of, pertaining to, on, or along an upgrade.

adverb

up a slope.

verb (used with object), up·grad·ed, up·grad·ing.

to promote to a higher grade or rank: He has been upgraded to senior vice president.

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.

to improve the quality, value, effectiveness, or performance of something: Buy this basic computer and upgrade whenever you're ready.

Nearby words

Origin of upgrade

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

Related formsup·grad·a·ble, up·grade·a·ble, adjectiveup·grad·a·bil·i·ty, up·grade·a·bil·i·ty, nounup·grad·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for upgrade

The Raptor is also difficult and expensive to maintain and is exceedingly difficult to upgrade.
$70 Billion Stealth Jet Finally Flies in Its First War|Dave Majumdar|September 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
(Free for limited access, upgrade for $15 a month or $80 a year; available for iOS) 2.
10 Best Apps to Train Your Brain|DailyBurn|June 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
First, the group is aiming to “upgrade” legislative seats currently held by Republicans.
With Incumbents To Protect, The Tea Party Is Now Playing Defense|Michelle Cottle|March 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So there you have it—three simple, easy-to-use programs that biohackers use to upgrade their performance every day.
These 3 Apps Will Help You Sleep Better, Feel Great, and Eat Well|Dave Asprey|December 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Last month Jordan asked for surveillance airplanes and intelligence assistance to upgrade security on its border with Syria.
Assad’s Threats Aren’t Just Trash Talk|Jamie Dettmer|September 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The train swayed and creaked along through the Night with that strain and effort which told of upgrade.
The U.P. Trail|Zane Grey
While his astonishment was kept to an upgrade, there had not been elicited a syllable of inquiry from Richard.
The President|Alfred Henry Lewis
Raymond was urged to reconsider and to continue—the upgrade would soon be reached again.
On the Stairs|Henry B. Fuller
We have agreed with Bulgaria and Hungary to upgrade our legations to embassies.
Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006|Various
The inference is obvious: that the Monarchists are on the upgrade, and the Republicans on the downgrade.
France and the Republic|William Henry Hurlbert

British Dictionary definitions for upgrade

upgrade

verb (ʌpˈɡreɪd) (tr)

to assign or promote (a person or job) to a higher professional rank or position

to raise in value, importance, esteem, etc

to improve (a breed of livestock) by crossing with a better strain

noun (ˈʌpˌɡreɪd)

US and Canadian an upward slope

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

adjective

US and Canadian going or sloping upwards

adverb (ˈʌpˈɡreɪd)

US and Canadian up an incline, hill, or slope

Derived Formsupgrader, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for upgrade

upgrade

1873, "upward slope," from up + grade. The meaning "upgraded version" is recorded from 1980; the verb in this sense is attested from 1920 (implied in upgrading).

upgrade

noun

adjective

adverb

verb (used with object), up·grad·ed, up·grad·ing.

verb (used without object), up·grad·ed, up·grad·ing.

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Nearby words

Origin of upgrade

Examples from the Web for upgrade

upgrade

verb (ʌpˈɡreɪd) (tr)

noun (ˈʌpˌɡreɪd)

adjective

adverb (ˈʌpˈɡreɪd)

upgrade