upgrade
upgrade Lexical Profile
upgrade Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act or instance of raising something to a higher standard, or a new version, model, or component that improves upon an existing system.
"The latest software upgrade includes important security patches and a faster user interface."
A change to a higher class of accommodation or service, such as a better seat on an airplane or a more luxurious hotel room.
"Because the economy cabin was overbooked, the airline gave us a complimentary upgrade to business class."
North American An upward slope or incline, especially on a road, railway track, or hiking trail.
"The freight train slowed considerably as it climbed the steep upgrade through the mountain pass."
• verb
To raise a machine, computer system, or facility to a higher standard by adding or replacing components or software.
"The university plans to upgrade its laboratory equipment before the fall semester begins."
To move a customer, employee, or financial rating to a higher rank, status, or level of service.
"The hotel manager offered to upgrade our reservation to an oceanfront suite at no extra charge."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century as a compound of 'up' and 'grade' (from Latin gradus, meaning 'step' or 'degree'), originally used in railroad engineering to describe an upward slope before shifting in the mid-20th century to mean raising something to a higher standard.