High maintenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "High maintenance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person or thing that requires a lot of attention, effort, or resources to maintain. Example: "She can be quite high maintenance, always needing the latest fashion and constant attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

High maintenance.

Independent

High maintenance was the worst.

The New York Times

High maintenance they may be.

The New York Times

High maintenance costs.

Financial Innovation

High Maintenance episode "Sufjan".

Vice

High Maintenance episode "Sabrina".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Very high-maintenance, plays.

The Guardian - Books

"I'm not being high-maintenance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's a high-maintenance house".

The New York Times

"That's a high-maintenance relationship".

The New York Times

"These weren't high-maintenance kids," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "High maintenance" to politely imply that they require more attention or effort than average, but be mindful of potential negative connotations.

Common error

The phrase "High maintenance" can sound judgmental or critical. Strive to use more specific and descriptive language to identify particular behaviors or needs instead of simply labeling something as "High maintenance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "High maintenance" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun requires significant effort or resources to maintain. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "High maintenance" is a common adjective phrase used to describe something or someone that requires significant attention, effort, or resources. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While its usage is widespread across various contexts, including news and media, its implication can be perceived negatively, so it's important to consider the connotations before using it. Alternatives like "demanding" or "difficult to please" can offer a nuanced approach in certain situations. Remember to be specific when describing the reasons behind the high maintenance label to avoid generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Demanding

Focuses on the expectations and requirements placed on others.

Difficult to please

Highlights the challenge of satisfying the person or thing.

Needy

Emphasizes the constant need for attention or reassurance.

Resource-intensive

Draws attention to the amount of resources required.

Laborious

Highlights the amount of manual effort involved.

Upkeep-intensive

Focuses on the effort needed for continued maintenance.

Finicky

Emphasizes the fussiness and precision required.

Particular

Highlights the specific preferences and requirements.

Exacting

Stresses the strict and precise demands.

Fastidious

Implies an extreme concern for detail and cleanliness.

FAQs

How can I use "High maintenance" in a sentence?

You can use "High maintenance" to describe someone or something that requires a lot of attention and effort. For example, "That car is very "high maintenance" and needs constant repairs."

What are some alternative ways to say "High maintenance"?

Alternatives include "demanding", "difficult to please", or "needy", depending on the context. Each alternative conveys a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to call someone "High maintenance"?

While the phrase is commonly used, it can be perceived negatively. Consider whether a more specific and less judgmental description would be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "High maintenance" and "demanding"?

"High maintenance" generally implies a need for constant care and attention, whereas "demanding" focuses more on the expectations and requirements placed on others.