'downgrade' originates from the combination of 'down' and 'grade', where 'down' indicates a lower position and 'grade' refers 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 grade or level', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.