upgrade
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to replace a machine, computer program, or part with a newer and better version.
v.to replace an existing software version or hardware component with a more advanced or efficient iteration.
Simple“I need to upgrade my phone because the battery doesn't last all day anymore.”
In context“The IT department decided to upgrade the entire server infrastructure over the weekend to minimise disruption to the company's daily operations.”
UsageOften used as a transitive verb taking the device or software as the direct object.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to give someone a better seat, room, or service than the one they paid for.
v.to promote a passenger or guest to a higher class of service or better accommodation, often as a courtesy or for a fee.
Simple“The airline upgraded us to business class because the flight was overbooked.”
In context“Upon arrival, the hotel manager offered to upgrade the couple to a honeymoon suite at no additional cost due to a clerical error with their reservation.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a piece of software or a new part that makes a computer or machine better.
n.an improved component, replacement item, or software patch designed to enhance the performance of a system.
Simple“The latest software upgrade fixed several bugs and made the app much faster.”
In context“The system administrator recommended a memory upgrade to handle the increased processing demands of the new graphic design software.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a part of a road or track that goes up a hill.
n.an upward grade or incline on a road, railway, or path.
Simple“The old truck struggled to maintain its speed on the steep upgrade.”
In context“Engineers designed the locomotive with extra torque to ensure it could pull heavy freight loads over the mountain's challenging upgrades.”
UsageIn this sense, 'upgrade' is a technical term for a physical incline, primarily used in North American engineering contexts.
- 05 C2 Proficiency
adv.moving in a direction that goes up a slope.
adv.moving in an upward direction along a grade or incline.
Simple“The train moved slowly upgrade as it entered the mountain pass.”
In context“The heavy machinery was transported upgrade with the assistance of two secondary towing vehicles to prevent the primary engine from overheating.”
Usage upgrade energy · upgrades some of the new
“Ministers are examining a possible upgrade of security at men’s category C and women’s prisons to deal with an overcrowding crisis across the England and Wales estate, the Guardian understands.”
“Britain is preparing to cancel its contribution to one of the Large Hadron Collider's next major upgrades.”
From up- + grade.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.