high upkeep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high upkeep" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that requires a lot of maintenance, care, or expense to keep in good condition. Example: "Owning a luxury car can be enjoyable, but it also comes with high upkeep costs for maintenance and insurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

£3.5m is an extraordinarily high upkeep cost, he added, given that the Hungerford Bridge's two pedestrian crossings are maintained for £800,000 a year.

The Guardian - Arts

All over the city, other churches and parishes have faced similar challenges: high upkeep costs, a declining number of parishioners and a shortage of the priests and nuns who minister to them.

The New York Times

With limited interest in the football on offer, organisers are looking for other ways to pack stadiums with high upkeep costs and no clear path to financial viability in the next half-decade.

The Guardian - Sport

The public is going to end up paying through the nose for a very long time". £3.5m is an extraordinarily high upkeep cost, he added, given that the Hungerford Bridge's two pedestrian crossings are maintained for £800,000 a year.

The Guardian - Arts

On one side, the shrinkage in family per capita income inducing the consumer to spend less on luxury goods (like cars); on the other one, the high upkeep of cars because of a sharp increase in the cost of fuel, of insurance as well as of road tax, particularly in some European countries (like Italy).

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There were endless rows of fluffy white roses making upkeep labor intensive, high maintenance and requiring a lot of water.

Los Angeles Times

A high level of neighbourhood upkeep was associated with both higher social capital and feelings of safety.

Health & Place

With Dudley, this has already happened once, as he acknowledged to Buzzfeed that "he originally had braces in junior high, but neglected the upkeep," leading to dissatisfaction with his teeth that kept him from smiling.

The Washington Post

"Take a minute to really see how a new home payment would fit into your budget and include all of the ancillary expenses as well [such as] insurance, taxes, maintenance, higher utility bills, yard upkeep and HOA dues".

Huffington Post

They've been around since the 1990s when they were generally utilized to pay for the upkeep of high-end facilities at upscale resorts; the beach clubs and tennis courts, for example.

HuffPost

The cost of their upkeep is too high, particularly when man and dog must share the same (seal) meat.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing long-term financial planning, consider specifying which aspect of "high upkeep" you're addressing, like "high maintenance costs" or "labor-intensive maintenance".

Common error

When evaluating an investment or purchase, don't just consider the initial price. Accurately assess all aspects of "high upkeep" including maintenance, repairs, and potential replacements, to get a realistic view of the total cost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high upkeep" functions as a noun phrase, where "high" modifies the noun "upkeep". It's used to describe something that requires significant resources to maintain. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which indicates it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "high upkeep" is a grammatically sound and comprehensible term used to describe something that requires considerable resources for its maintenance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Although its frequency is relatively rare, the expression is most commonly found in news and media, followed by scientific and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's helpful to specify which aspect is high, such as costs, labor, or time, to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "costly maintenance" or "expensive upkeep" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expensive upkeep

Directly indicates that the cost of upkeep is high.

high maintenance costs

More specific by including the word 'costs'.

costly maintenance

Emphasizes the expense associated with maintaining something.

substantial maintenance

Indicates that the amount of maintenance is significant.

significant maintenance

Implies that the maintenance load is considerable.

demanding upkeep

Focuses on the effort and attention required for maintenance.

resource-intensive upkeep

Highlights the large amount of resources spent to maintain something.

labor-intensive maintenance

Highlights the significant labor required.

onerous upkeep

Suggests that the upkeep is burdensome or troublesome.

intensive care

Implies a need for constant and thorough attention.

FAQs

What does "high upkeep" mean?

The term "high upkeep" refers to something that requires a lot of effort, time, or money to maintain in good condition. It implies ongoing costs and attention beyond the initial investment.

How can I avoid "high upkeep" costs?

To avoid "high upkeep", consider factors like durability, material quality, and energy efficiency when making purchases. Opting for low-maintenance alternatives can reduce long-term expenses. For example, instead of purchasing an expensive car, consider "inexpensive vehicles".

What are some examples of items with "high upkeep"?

Examples of items with "high upkeep" include luxury cars, older homes, complex machinery, and certain pets (like those with special dietary or grooming needs). These items typically require frequent maintenance, repairs, or specialized care.

What can I say instead of "high upkeep"?

You can use alternatives like "costly maintenance", "expensive upkeep", or "demanding upkeep" depending on the specific context you're describing.