# downgrading

/ˈdaʊnˈɡɹeɪdɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈaʊŋɡɹeɪdɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/downgrading
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.