What does high maintenance mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/haɪ meɪntənəns/

Part of Speech

Noun, Adjective

Definition

High maintenance refers to something or someone that requires a lot of attention, care, or effort to maintain or sustain, often due to its demanding or finicky nature. It can describe anything from a person’s appearance or attitude to a machine or system that requires constant upkeep.

Examples

1. “My hair is high maintenance because it requires regular styling and conditioning.”

2. “The luxury car is high maintenance due to its complex engine and frequent need for repairs.”

Synonyms

1. Demanding

2. Finicky

3. Fastidious

Antonyms

1. Low maintenance

2. Easy-going

3. Undemanding

Additional Information

The term “high maintenance” is often used to describe people who require a lot of attention or have high expectations. However, it can also be used to describe objects or systems that require regular upkeep or maintenance. In modern usage, the term is often used in a more casual sense to describe anything that is perceived as being demanding or finicky.

In psychology, high maintenance individuals are often characterized as being perfectionistic, with high levels of anxiety and a need for control. They may also be more prone to stress and burnout due to their high expectations and demands.

In technology, high maintenance refers to systems or software that require frequent updates, repairs, or maintenance to function properly. This can be due to their complexity, the use of outdated technology, or a lack of standardization.

Etymology

The term “high maintenance” originated in the 1970s in the context of relationships, where it was used to describe someone who required a lot of emotional support and attention. Over time, the term has expanded to include other contexts, such as technology, psychology, and everyday life.

Usage Notes

The term “high maintenance” is often used in a negative sense to describe someone or something that is perceived as being demanding or finicky. However, it can also be used in a neutral or even positive sense to describe something that requires attention and care to function properly.

Cultural References

The term “high maintenance” has been referenced in popular culture, including in movies, TV shows, and music. For example, the TV show “Sex and the City” features a character who is described as being “high maintenance” due to her demanding personality and expectations.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “High maintenance relationship” – a relationship that requires a lot of emotional support and attention.

2. “High maintenance personality” – a personality that is perceived as being demanding or finicky.

Collocations

1. High maintenance relationship

2. High maintenance personality

3. High maintenance car

Frequency of Use

The term “high maintenance” is commonly used in everyday language, with a frequency of use that is moderate to high.

Common Misspellings

1. High maintenence

2. High maintance

3. High maintinence