upgrade
gb/ˈʌpɡɹˌeɪd/ us/ˈʌpɡɹˌeɪd/
B1
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Improve to a better version
To make something better or more modern.
Usage pattern:
to upgrade [something] to [a new/better version]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'upgrade' with 'update'. 'Upgrade' usually means moving to a better or more advanced version, while 'update' can mean adding the latest information or minor improvements without changing the overall level.
Synonyms
improve (General term for making something better, not necessarily to a newer version.)
|
enhance (Often implies adding features or qualities rather than replacing.)
Antonyms
downgrade (To reduce something to a lower quality, level, or version.)
Collocations
upgrade software
|upgrade system
|upgrade facilities
|upgrade service
Themes
technology
|business
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We decided to upgrade our internet connection for faster speeds.
- The company plans to upgrade its computer systems next year.
- You should upgrade your phone if you want better camera quality.
- They upgraded the hotel rooms with modern furniture.
- He upgraded the software to the latest version.
Learner examples
- I will upgrade my phone next month.
- We need to upgrade the old computer.
- She upgraded her car to a newer model.
- They will upgrade the room for free.
- He upgraded his skills by taking a course.
Noun
B1
entity
2
An improved version of something
A new and better thing that replaces an older one.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse the noun 'upgrade' with 'update'. An 'upgrade' changes to a better or more advanced version; an 'update' often adds small changes or fixes.
Synonyms
improvement (General word for making something better, not necessarily replacing with a newer version.)
|
enhancement (Suggests added value or features rather than a complete replacement.)
Antonyms
downgrade (A change to a worse or less advanced version.)
Collocations
software upgrade
|room upgrade
|free upgrade
Themes
technology
|business
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The airline offered me a free upgrade to business class.
- This software upgrade includes several new features.
- We received an upgrade to a suite at the hotel.
- The latest upgrade improves battery life significantly.
- Our gym membership came with a free equipment upgrade.
Learner examples
- I got a free upgrade to a bigger room.
- The phone upgrade has a better camera.
- We need a software upgrade for the computer.
- They gave me an upgrade at no cost.
- The hotel offered an upgrade for our stay.
Verb
B2
action
3
Promote to higher rank/status
To give someone a more important job or higher position.
Usage pattern:
to upgrade [someone] to [a position/rank]
Synonyms
promote (The most common term for giving someone a higher position; 'upgrade' is less common in this context and often used metaphorically.)
Antonyms
demote (To move someone to a lower position or rank.)
Collocations
upgrade an employee
|upgrade status
Themes
business
|workplace
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The manager decided to upgrade her to team leader.
- They upgraded him from coach class to first class.
- His role was upgraded after the reorganization.
- She was upgraded to senior analyst last month.
Learner examples
- They upgraded me to manager.
- She was upgraded to first class on the plane.
- He was upgraded in his job last week.
- The boss upgraded her position.
Grammar
Dictionary form
upgrade
IPA
GB/ˈʌpɡɹˌeɪd/
US/ˈʌpɡɹˌeɪd/
Syllables & stress
up - grade (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (up)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: upgrade
- Plural: upgrades
Verb
- Base: upgrade
- 3rd Person Singular: upgrades
- Present Participle: upgrading
- Past: upgraded
Word family
Forms
upgrades
noun
upgrading
verb
upgraded
verb
Core family
upgradeable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
downgrade
verb B2
Expressions
free upgrade
1/fɹˈi ˈʌpɡɹˌeɪd/
fixed phrase
Better version at no cost
A new and better thing that you get without paying more money.
Examples
- The hotel gave us a free upgrade when our room wasn't ready.
- Customers who pre-order will receive a free upgrade.
get an upgrade
1/ɡˈɛt ən ˈʌpɡɹˌeɪd/
fixed phrase
Receive a better version
To be given something newer or better than what you had before.
Examples
- We got an upgrade to a suite at no extra cost.
- He got an upgrade on his flight because it was overbooked.
upgrade to
1/ˈʌpɡɹˌeɪd tə/
fixed phrase
Change to newer/better version
To start using a newer or better thing than before.
Examples
- I think it's time to upgrade to the latest model.
- She upgraded to premium membership last month.