English Reference
Noun

downgrade

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈdaʊnˈɡɹeɪd/ UK /dˈaʊŋɡɹeɪd/ down·grade UK spelling downgrades Computing

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.


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.


From down- + grade.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated