Word
downgrading
Phoneticsdown·grad·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdaʊnˈɡɹeɪdɪŋ/
UK/dˈaʊŋɡɹeɪdɪŋ/
Definition
v. to move something to a lower level, rank, or quality. You use it when a phone plan, job, rating, or seat becomes smaller, cheaper, or less important.
v. to lower in rank, grade, status, or value; to assign a less favourable rating or classification.
Examples
“They are downgrading our flight to a smaller plane.”
“The agency is downgrading the city's credit rating after months of budget problems.”
“After downgrading its growth forecast for the third time this year, the bank warned investors to expect slower returns.”
Examples
simple
“They are downgrading our flight to a smaller plane.”
contextual
“The agency is downgrading the city's credit rating after months of budget problems.”
complex
“After downgrading its growth forecast for the third time this year, the bank warned investors to expect slower returns.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Firefighters have mostly wrangled the blaze, enabling local mandatory evacuations to be downgraded to warnings.” “The Israeli government closed the UK consulate last week in protest, forcing the it to withdraw 21 diplomats and downgrade the consulate to the status of a mission.” “The hurricane—downgraded a notch to Category 3 strength on the five-point Saffir-Simpson scale—was moving slowly and remained dangerous.” “Isaias made landfall in Florida late on Friday with maximum sustained winds of 105mph (168km/h) before being downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone.” Related words
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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