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upgrade

B2
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˈəpgrˌeɪd/
  • /əpgrˈeɪd/

US

  • /ˈəpˈɡreɪd/
  • /əpˈɡreɪd/

Description

Imagine your old bicycle has flat tires and rusty gears. To upgrade it means to replace those worn-out parts with new, better ones, maybe even add a fancy bell. It is not just about things, though. You can also upgrade your skills by taking a class, or upgrade your vacation plans from camping to a nicer hotel. It usually means making something you already have better.

The word suggests moving up a level. Think of going from economy class on an airplane to business class, or changing your phone for a newer model. It often involves something newer or better, but it can also mean improving quality, comfort, or status.

Examples

  1. 1

    Personal tech

    I need to upgrade my laptop before next semester starts.

  2. 2

    Subscription plan

    We upgraded to the premium plan so we could store more files.

    • Pattern

      upgrade to + better version/level

      move to a better version or level

  3. 3

    Office equipment

    The company upgraded its computers from old desktop models to faster laptops.

    • Pattern

      upgrade something from A to B

      change it from an older version to a newer or better one

  4. 4

    Hospitality

    At check-in, the hotel upgraded us to a room with a sea view.

    • Pattern

      upgrade someone to + better room/seat/service

      give someone a better room, seat, or level of service

  5. 5

    Software noun

    Have you installed the latest software upgrade yet?

  6. 6

    Housing

    The new apartment is a big upgrade from our old place.

    • Pattern

      an upgrade from + old thing

      something much better than what you had before

  7. 7

    Public transport

    The city plans to upgrade the train system over the next few years.

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • upgradenounverb

Forms

  • upgradedpast tenseverbnoun
  • upgradespluralnounverb
  • upgrading-ing formverbnoun