What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retrofit
Example
The company decided to retrofit their old building with energy-efficient lighting. [retrofit: verb]
Example
The retrofit of the HVAC system resulted in significant energy savings. [retrofit: noun]
upgrade
Example
I upgraded my phone to the latest model. [upgraded: past tense]
Example
The company decided to upgrade their computer systems to improve productivity. [upgrade: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upgrade is more commonly used than retrofit in everyday language. Upgrade is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while retrofit is more specific and often used in technical or engineering fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retrofit and upgrade?
Both retrofit and upgrade can be used in formal and informal contexts, but retrofit may be more technical and formal due to its association with engineering and construction fields.
