Words / C1

down-GRAYD/ˌdaʊnˈɡreɪd/

To downgrade is to reduce rank, status, importance, or an estimated rating: downgrade a forecast, downgrade a post. Demote is the job-rank twin; upgrade sits opposite; downplay (this batch) is about talk, not official status. A jammed fire door is not a quirk.

Meaning

To reduce something in rank, status, importance, or estimated value.

Examples

• “Do not downgrade a jammed fire door to a “known quirk”.”
• “Demote is jobs. Relegate is sport and informal status. A quirk is a story. A latch that fails is a halt. Call the engineer; keep quirk for a website font.”

Good to know

Lower in rank or estimated worth. Jobs: demote. Talk cousin: downplay (this batch). Opposite: upgrade. A quirk is not a jammed door.

Near in meaning

demote

New