Word
downgrade
Phoneticsdown·grade, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdaʊnˈɡɹeɪd/
UK/dˈaʊŋɡɹeɪd/
Countable noun Computing
Definition
n. a change to a lower or less powerful level. In computing, it means replacing a newer version of software with an older one.
n. a reduction in rank, status, or quality; in a technical context, the substitution of a software or hardware system with an earlier or less advanced version.
Examples
“The software downgrade fixed the bugs in the new version.”
“After experiencing several system crashes, the IT department recommended a temporary downgrade to the previous stable release.”
“The credit agency's recent downgrade of the national debt has led to increased borrowing costs and a sharp decline in investor confidence across the region.”
Examples
simple
“The software downgrade fixed the bugs in the new version.”
contextual
“After experiencing several system crashes, the IT department recommended a temporary downgrade to the previous stable release.”
complex
“The credit agency's recent downgrade of the national debt has led to increased borrowing costs and a sharp decline in investor confidence across the region.”
Usage
Often paired with the preposition 'to' when indicating the target version or level.
Real-World Examples
“The once category 5 hurricane will downgrade to category 2 by landfall with sustained winds of 96-110mph.” “Those numbers tell a pretty fuzzy story—nearly a quarter of the time, people perceived the new model as a downgrade , which is kind of a lot!” Etymology
From down- + grade.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/downgrade