high maintenance

USAGE SUMMARY

'high maintenance' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that requires a lot of attention, resources, or effort in order to be kept in usable condition or to produce results. For example, "This car is really high maintenance; it needs new oil every week and regular visits to the mechanic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

High maintenance.

Independent

"They're high maintenance.

Independent

"I'm high maintenance.

The New Yorker

High maintenance was the worst.

The New York Times

Neurotic, high maintenance, insomniac.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's high maintenance.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Very high-maintenance, plays.

The Guardian - Books

"I'm not being high-maintenance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That's a high-maintenance relationship".

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Sport

The high-maintenance backlash has arrived.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "high maintenance" judiciously, as it can carry negative connotations. Consider alternative phrases if a more neutral tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "high maintenance" in formal or professional settings, as it can be perceived as judgmental or unprofessional. Opt for more objective descriptions, such as "requires frequent attention" or "demands significant resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high maintenance" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something or someone requiring significant effort, attention, or resources for upkeep. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in this way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "high maintenance" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe something or someone that requires a lot of effort or resources to maintain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While it can sometimes carry negative connotations, its meaning is generally well-understood. When using "high maintenance", consider the context and audience to avoid misinterpretations. If you're looking for alternatives, phrases like ""demanding"" or "resource-intensive" may be suitable depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high-upkeep

A synonym that stresses the constant need for maintenance.

demanding

Implies requiring a lot of effort and attention, focusing on the demands placed on others.

difficult to manage

Highlights the challenges and effort involved in managing or controlling something.

needy

Suggests requiring a lot of emotional support or attention, often implying a dependence on others.

resource-intensive

Emphasizes the large amount of resources (time, money, materials) needed.

labor-intensive

Highlights the amount of manual or physical effort required.

challenging

Implies a need for significant effort and skill to overcome obstacles.

complex

Focuses on the complicated nature and the effort required to understand or manage it.

exacting

Stresses the high standards and precision required.

fastidious

Indicates meticulous attention to detail and a need for things to be done perfectly.

FAQs

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

You can use "high maintenance" to describe anything that requires a lot of effort to maintain. For example, "That car is so "high maintenance", it's always in the shop" or "She's a bit "demanding", but she's worth it".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""demanding"", "resource-intensive", or "difficult to manage".

Is it always negative to describe something as "high maintenance"?

While "high maintenance" often carries a negative connotation, it can also simply describe something that requires a lot of care and attention. The tone depends heavily on the context and the intention of the speaker.

What's the difference between "high maintenance" and "high upkeep"?

"High maintenance" often implies a level of difficulty or demandingness beyond just the amount of upkeep required. "High upkeep" focuses more on the frequency and intensity of maintenance needed, without necessarily implying it is difficult.