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.

S&P Global Ratings noted that it could downgrade its rating if SpaceX fails to meet its ambitious growth plans but continues to invest heavily, generating negative free cash flow.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

The downgrade makes Bergin one of the more cautious analysts covering the stock.

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

The European Central Bank is expected to downgrade the eurozone’s growth prospects in refreshed forecasts when it meets on Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

It won’t even downgrade him to not being the richest guy who has ever lived.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

The surveillance department was meant to monitor subprime bonds and downgrade them if the loans that underpinned them went bad.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

downgrade

Example Sentences

Related Words