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Definitions

downgrade

[doun-greyd] / ˈdaʊnˌgreɪd /
NOUN
slope
Synonyms
STRONG
decline declivity descent dip hill inclination pitch
Antonyms
STRONG
ascent improvement increase rise
WEAK
upgrade
VERB
lower in opinion or rank
Synonyms
STRONGEST
degrade demote devalue reduce undervalue
STRONG
abase bench break bump bust decrease decry demerit denigrate depreciate disparage humble minimize
WEAK
declass detract from devalorize disrate mark down run down set back take down a peg write off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
increase overvalue promote raise upgrade
STRONG
approve cherish commend compliment enlarge exalt fix laud mend overrate praise
WEAK
improve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The international lender sees a modest downgrade if the war ends soon, but much weaker growth and higher inflation in worse scenarios.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The UK's downgrade of half a percentage point is the largest of the world's advanced economies, with the UK now earmarked to have middling growth this year compared to its peers.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

"The downgrade reflects our view that global diamond demand will likely remain weak for longer, weighing on Botswana's already-strained economy and public finances," the New York-based agency said.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Excluding Iran, overall regional economic growth was expected to slow to just 1.8 percent in 2026 -- a downgrade of 2.4 percentage points from before the war, the Bank said.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“And you’ve changed your team. Interesting. Is this a downgrade or an upgrade, young Tristan?”

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia