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 fordef 1; 1980–85 high-maintenance fordef 2; high ( def ) + maintenance ( def )

Example Sentences

She is nurturing to talent but also indulgent—especially with high-maintenance directors.

From The Daily Beast

Personally, I have no problem with mind candy or high-maintenance housewives either.

From The Daily Beast