tr.v. down·grad·ed,
down·grad·ing,
down·grades 1. To lower the status, rank, or salary of: The weather service downgraded the hurricane to a tropical storm.
2. To minimize the importance, value, or reputation of: downgraded his team's contribution to the project.
n.1. A descending slope, as in a road.
2. An act of downgrading, as in status, rank, or amount: The company averted a downgrade of its credit rating.
3. A decline, as in fortune, status, or condition: a neighborhood on the downgrade.