downgrade
UK: ˈdaʊnɡreɪd | US: ˈdaʊnɡreɪd
n. a reduction to a lower rank, status, or level
vt. to reduce someone or something to a lower rank or less important position
The word "downgrade" combines "down," from Old English dūne (meaning "from a higher to a lower position"), and "grade," from Latin gradus (meaning "step" or "degree"). The term emerged in the early 19th century, originally referring to literal downward slopes (e.g., roads) before evolving metaphorically to describe reductions in rank or status. The logic mirrors physical descent applied to abstract hierarchies.
The company decided to downgrade its forecast due to poor sales.
After the scandal, his reputation was severely downgraded.
The hotel received a downgrade from five stars to four.
She feared her job might be downgraded to part-time.
The software update caused a downgrade in performance.