'downgrade' originates from the combination of 'down' and 'grade', where 'down' meant 'toward a lower position' and 'grade' referred to 'a level or rank'.

'downgrade' evolved from the combination of the words 'down' and 'grade' in English, maintaining its meaning of reducing rank or status.

Initially, it meant 'to move to a lower level', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.