problematic to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problematic to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or challenges related to the upkeep or sustainability of something. Example: "The outdated software has become problematic to maintain, leading to frequent errors and downtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is, however, an exceptionally resource intensive activity that is difficult to initiate and problematic to maintain.

Computers in Human Behavior

Proponents of the epistemic argument respond that it is problematic to maintain both that the qualitative nature of experience can be genuinely novel, and that the quality itself be the same as some property already grasped scientifically: does not the experience's phenomenal nature, which the demonstrative concepts capture, constitute a property in its own right?

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The genre switch proved problematic to maintaining the team aspect of gameplay.

Wikipedia

For many of the corporation's cultural arbiters it is an institution at best problematic (trying to maintain freshness in the face of unbending "tradition") and at worst an embarrassing spectacle they would privately prefer to do away with (vulgar audience displays of jingoism and boorishness).

The Guardian

It could prove problematic for the newco to maintain the level of wages currently being paid to players if the club's income is reduced.

BBC

Positioning of the MASTER and SLAVE heads of the dual inclinometer may be problematic, including the ability to maintain a constant pressure with the heads against the skin.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Artie McConnell, an assistant district attorney, said the Lower Manhattan location was in "an extremely problematic area for the Police Department to maintain control over".

The New York Times

7 This belief bias for social anxiety convictions is merely problematic because it logically acts to maintain convictions that are dysfunctional.

Cognitive Therapy and Research

This complex system is problematic, as its extensive web requires many interval pumps to maintain water flow and because the exposed, poorly maintained hosing traverses a precarious route through seawater that includes refuse and faeces.

BMJ Open

Lengthy discussion of the problematic future of the oil business, and how Riboud plans to maintain Schlumberger's lead in the field.

The New Yorker

First, if the above stated concerns were so problematic and onerous, why did UCLA reaffirm its commitment in 1999 to maintain the gardens "in perpetuity"?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problematic to maintain", be specific about what aspects are difficult to sustain. For example, instead of saying "the system is problematic to maintain", specify "the software's security features are problematic to maintain due to outdated protocols".

Common error

Avoid using "problematic to maintain" as a vague criticism. Provide concrete examples of the issues. For example, instead of saying "the equipment is problematic to maintain", explain that "the equipment is problematic to maintain because spare parts are no longer available".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic to maintain" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a purpose infinitive. It describes a state or condition that presents difficulties related to upkeep or preservation. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples indicating that something is challenging regarding its maintenance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problematic to maintain" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe something that presents challenges regarding its upkeep or sustainability. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage and usability in written English. While not exceptionally common, it appears across various contexts, including science, news, and wiki sources. Alternatives such as "difficult to sustain" or "challenging to uphold" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, it's best practice to be specific about the challenges involved. Avoid using it as a vague criticism; instead, provide concrete examples. Ultimately, understanding the function, purpose, and register of "problematic to maintain" will improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to sustain

Focuses on the difficulty of continuing or prolonging something.

challenging to uphold

Highlights the demanding nature of keeping something at a certain standard.

hard to keep up

Emphasizes the effort required to maintain pace or standard.

tough to preserve

Stresses the resilience needed to protect something from decay or damage.

complex to manage

Indicates the intricate nature of overseeing and directing something.

cumbersome to handle

Highlights the unwieldy or burdensome nature of dealing with something.

awkward to service

Focuses on the inconvenience of providing maintenance or repairs.

unwieldy to operate

Implies difficulty in controlling or using something effectively.

laborious to conserve

Stresses the effort needed to save or protect something.

exacting to preserve

Implies strict or rigorous requirements for maintaining something.

FAQs

How can I use "problematic to maintain" in a sentence?

You can use "problematic to maintain" to describe something that is difficult or challenging to keep in good condition or working order. For example, "The old database system has become "problematic to maintain", requiring frequent patches and updates".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "problematic to maintain"?

Alternatives include "difficult to sustain", "challenging to uphold", or "hard to keep up", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "difficult to maintain" or "problematic to maintain"?

Both "difficult to maintain" and "problematic to maintain" are acceptable, but "difficult to maintain" is generally more common. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the difficulty or the problematic nature of the maintenance.

What makes something "problematic to maintain"?

Something might be "problematic to maintain" due to various reasons, such as high costs, lack of available parts, outdated technology, or complex procedures.