low-maintenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "low-maintenance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that requires little effort to maintain and whose upkeep is easy. For example, "This breed of pet is very low-maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I'm fairly low-maintenance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They are very low-maintenance".

The New York Times

It is super low-maintenance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The achievement beard is definitionally low-maintenance.

The New Yorker

I'm quite a low-maintenance person".

Independent

"It was a low-maintenance production".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Low maintenance?

The New York Times

"They are low maintenance, unostentatious.

The New York Times

"He's not low maintenance".

The New York Times - Sports

"I am low maintenance.

The Guardian - Sport

It's also super-low-maintenance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing people, use "low-maintenance" to convey they are self-sufficient and require little emotional support or attention. For objects or systems, emphasize the reduced need for repairs or regular servicing.

Common error

Avoid using "low-maintenance" to describe complex systems where some level of expert attention is still necessary. Overstating the ease of care can lead to neglect and eventual failure. Be clear about the actual requirements, even if they are minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low-maintenance" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that requires minimal effort to maintain. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "low-maintenance" describes various entities, such as plants, systems, and even people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

24%

Lifestyle

16%

Less common in

Sport

0%

Arts

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective phrase "low-maintenance" is a versatile descriptor, signifying minimal effort or attention required for upkeep. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki content, it denotes ease and simplicity. When using "low-maintenance", consider the context: for people, it implies self-sufficiency; for objects, it suggests reduced upkeep. While commonly used, ensure it accurately reflects the system's requirements, avoiding oversimplification. Consider alternatives like "easy to care for" or "simple to maintain" for nuanced descriptions. Ultimately, "low-maintenance" conveys convenience and reduced burden, making it a valuable term in various discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal upkeep

Highlights the reduced amount of maintenance required.

simple to maintain

Emphasizes the simplicity of upkeep.

requires little attention

Directly states the reduced need for attention or care.

easy to care for

Focuses on the ease of upkeep, suitable for describing pets or plants.

trouble-free

Indicates a lack of problems or difficulties.

undemanding

Highlights the lack of requirements or expectations.

self-sufficient

Stresses independence and minimal need for external assistance.

hands-off

Suggests minimal involvement or intervention.

easygoing

Describes a person or thing that is relaxed and not prone to causing trouble.

painless

Implies the process is easy and without complications.

FAQs

How can I use "low-maintenance" in a sentence?

You can say something like, "This plant is very "low-maintenance", requiring water only once a week" or "She is a "low-maintenance" friend who doesn't demand much of your time".

What is a good alternative to "low-maintenance"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "low-maintenance" include "easy to care for", "simple to maintain", or "undemanding".

Is it better to be "low-maintenance" or "high-maintenance"?

Neither is inherently better; it depends on the situation and personal preferences. A "low-maintenance" approach might be preferable for simplicity, while a high-maintenance approach may be necessary for optimal performance or specific needs.

Can you use "low-maintenance" to describe a person?

Yes, "low-maintenance" can describe a person who is easygoing, self-sufficient, and doesn't require much attention or effort from others. For example, "He is a "low-maintenance" roommate who never complains".