Does the word "evolution" connote "upgrade"?

Does 'evolution' means 'upgrade' ? 'downgrade' or just 'gradient'?

Solution 1:

I wouldn't associate evolution with upgrade or downgrade specifically, since it means:

a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state

In other word, it changes its state (up or down). Evolution is not linked to a particular trend. As such, evolution is more closely related to "gradient", even though the former is about the process, the latter about the value.

Note: you can find a loose association between those terms (evolution vs. downgrade or upgrade) in the software field, where a soft evolution usually means upgrading to the next version.

John Y says in the comments:

Your quote (which appears to be definition 2c(1) from Merriam-Webster) does imply that the change is both continuous and "positive" (either beneficial or more advanced)

True. But "positive" doesn't mean just "beneficial" or "more advanced".

If the evolution of graphic cards noise level is one of a growth (a positive increase of decibel levels), I wouldn't equate "evolution" to an "upgrade", but rather a "downgrade" in "noise pollution".

Solution 2:

Usually, evolution implies a gradual or modest upgrade, though it can also refer to any change, especially those that occur through natural processes, or are inevitable through the passage of time.

In the case of "unnatural" evolution (such as the new release of a human-made product), evolution is intended as a definite upgrade, though not a huge one. (If it were huge, it would more likely be called a revolution.)