ENGLISH
REFERENCE

upgrading

v. · n.
US //ˈəpˌɡɹeɪdɪŋ// UK //ʌpɡɹˈeɪdɪŋ// up·grad·ing
  1. 1 improving a system or device (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    improving a piece of equipment or software so that it works better.

    the present participle of 'upgrade', referring to the act of improving the quality, value, or status of something.

    Example

    The company is upgrading its computer systems this weekend to make them faster.

    Example

    The IT department is currently upgrading the server infrastructure to ensure the network can handle the increased traffic expected during the holiday season.
    • downgrading
  2. 2 the process of improvement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the process of making something better or more modern.

    the action or process of raising something to a higher standard or replacing it with a superior alternative.

    Example

    The upgrading of the local park took several months but was worth the wait.

    Example

    The continuous upgrading of safety protocols is a mandatory requirement for all chemical processing plants operating within the region.
  3. 3 travel/service level (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    giving someone a better seat or room than the one they paid for.

    the act of moving a passenger or guest to a higher class of service or better accommodation.

    Example

    The airline is upgrading us to business class because the flight is overbooked.

    Example

    By upgrading the loyal customers to executive suites, the hotel management successfully mitigated the complaints regarding the initial booking error.

Last updated June 20, 2026