upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp 

1

: the act of maintaining in good condition : the state of being maintained in good condition

2

: the cost of maintaining in good condition

Synonyms

• care and feeding
• conservation
• conserving
• keep
• maintenance
• preservation
• preserving
• sustentation

Examples of upkeep in a Sentence

Who is responsible for the upkeep of these buildings?

Once your car gets that old, the cost of upkeep can get very expensive.

The yard requires very little upkeep.

We sold our horse because we could no longer afford its upkeep.

Recent Examples on the Web

Contractor Estimates: If your home is older than others in the neighborhood or needing some upkeep, have a contractor estimate your home’s value and send in those numbers as data. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2024

Other costs to consider are annual maintenance fees for landscaping, pool upkeep, and repairs, which average around an additional $1,000 a year. —Ronny Maye, Essence, 15 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp 

: the act or cost of maintaining in good condition : maintenance