low-maintenance

adjective

low-main·​te·​nance ˈlō-ˈmānt-nən(t)s 

-ˈmān-tə-nən(t)s

1

: requiring little care or maintenance

low-maintenance fabrics

a low-maintenance garden

What was also high on their beauty wish list? Keeping their natural hair as a basis for a look that is professional as well as low-maintenance.

—Essence

2

of a person : not tending to cause problems or demand attention : easy and pleasant to deal with or work with

"Bobby Jay is one of those high-character, low-maintenance guys you look for," said Rick Dudley, Lightning vice president of hockey operations. "He has a tremendous work ethic."

—Nancy Marrapese-Burrell

He's a rare breed, a low-maintenance White House aide.

—Fred Barnes

Examples of low-maintenance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Quartz became popular in the 1990s as a low-maintenance alternative to granite and marble. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Part of the Lunar Lights™ series, this low-maintenance begonia has improved root hardiness that extends its perennial range. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026

For an especially low-maintenance version, your colorist can strategically keep the roots natural. — Marci Robin, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026

Instead, Agustina suggests choosing low-maintenance, native plants that can be arranged in a coherent design. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for low-maintenance

• maintenance