Dictionary
1downgrade
noun down·grade \ˈdau̇n-ˌgrād\
: an area or surface that goes downward : a downward slope
: an occurrence in which something becomes worse, less valuable, etc.
Full Definition of DOWNGRADE
1
: a downward grade (as of a road)
2
: a descent toward an inferior state <a career on the downgrade>
See downgrade defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of DOWNGRADE
1857
Related to DOWNGRADE
- Synonyms
- decadence, declension, declination, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, dégringolade, descent, deterioration, devolution, downfall, decline, ebb, eclipse, fall
Rhymes with DOWNGRADE
abrade, afraid, air raid, arcade, Band-Aid, barmaid, Belgrade, blockade, bondmaid, bridesmaid, brigade, brocade, cascade, charade, clichéd, cockade, corrade, cross-trade, crusade, decade, degrade, dissuade, evade, eyeshade, fair-trade, first aid, glissade, grenade, handmade, homemade, housemaid, inlaid, invade, limeade, low-grade, man-made, mermaid, milkmaid, navaid, nightshade, nursemaid, old maid, parade, persuade, pervade, plain-laid, pomade, postpaid, sacheted, scalade, sea-maid, self-made, stockade, sunshade, switchblade, torsade, twayblade, twice-laid, unbraid, unlade, unmade, unpaid, upbraid, upgrade
2downgrade
verb
: to give (someone or something) a lower rank or grade
: to cause (someone or something) to be thought of as less valuable, important, etc.
Full Definition of DOWNGRADE
transitive verb
1
: to lower in quality, value, status, or extent
2
See downgrade defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DOWNGRADE
1930
DOWNGRADE Defined for Kids
1downgrade
noun down·grade \ˈdau̇n-ˌgrād\
Definition of DOWNGRADE for Kids
: a downward slope (as of a road) <I lost my brakes on the downgrade.>
2downgrade
verb
down·grad·eddown·grad·ing
Definition of DOWNGRADE for Kids
: to lower in grade, rank, position, or standing <The hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm.>
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