Upcycle

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈʌpsaɪk(ə)l/

Definitions

1. To transform waste materials into functional and aesthetically pleasing products by enhancing their value
2. To creatively reuse discarded objects to produce items of greater worth and usefulness
3. Engaging in the process of turning old or unwanted materials into improved and more desirable products

Etymology: One is "up-" with "recycle", the other "upgrade" with "recycle", which suggests the sense of making something better rather than merely reprocessing it. The two parts are "up", meaning to improve or raise in value, and "recycle", the older word for putting used material back into use. Together they describe taking discarded material and turning it into something more valuable. The verb was formed in English by combining these familiar pieces, so the history is a modern coinage rather than an ancient word with a long pedigree. Its meaning sits in contrast to ordinary recycling, which often breaks materials down into lower-grade products, while upcycling aims for a result of greater worth and usefulness.

Synonyms: reuse, recycle, repurpose, refurbish, restore

Antonyms: waste, discard, degrade, destroy, dismantle