noun
- an incline going up in the direction of movement.
- an increase or improvement: an upgrade in the year’s profit forecast.
- a new version, improved model, etc.: The company is offering an upgrade of its sports sedan.
- an increase or improvement in one’s service, accommodations, privileges, or the like: If the ship isn’t full we’ll receive an upgrade to a deluxe stateroom.
- something, as a piece of equipment, that serves to improve or enhance: a full range of upgrades available for your computer.
adjective
- uphill; of, pertaining to, on, or along an upgrade.
adverb
- up a slope.
verb (used with object), up·grad·ed, up·grad·ing.
- to promote to a higher grade or rank: He has been upgraded to senior vice president.
- to improve or enhance the quality or value of: to upgrade property by landscaping it.
verb (used without object), up·grad·ed, up·grad·ing.
- to improve the quality, value, effectiveness, or performance of something: Buy this basic computer and upgrade whenever you’re ready.
verb (ʌpˈɡreɪd) (tr)
- to assign or promote (a person or job) to a higher professional rank or position
- to raise in value, importance, esteem, etc
- to improve (a breed of livestock) by crossing with a better strain
noun (ˈʌpˌɡreɪd)
- US and Canadian an upward slope
- on the upgrade improving or progressing, as in importance, status, health, etc
adjective
- US and Canadian going or sloping upwards
adverb (ˈʌpˈɡreɪd)
- US and Canadian up an incline, hill, or slope
n.1873, “upward slope,” from up + grade. The meaning “upgraded version” is recorded from 1980; the verb in this sense is attested from 1920 (implied in upgrading).