high-maintenance

[hahy--meyn-tuh-nuhns]

adjective

1. needing frequent or major maintenance or repair.

   Imported sports cars are high-maintenance.

2. Informal.,  (of a person) demanding a great deal of attention, money, or effort.

   His high-maintenance girlfriend refuses to get engaged without a big diamond ring.

high-maintenance

adjective

1. (of a piece of equipment, motor vehicle, etc) requiring regular maintenance to keep it in working order

2. informal,  (of a person) requiring a high level of care and attention; demanding

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-maintenance¹

First recorded in 1915–20 high-maintenance for def. 1; 1980–85 high-maintenance for def. 2; high ( def. ) + maintenance ( def. )