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

Cucumbers are a low-maintenance summer crop that can produce fruit all season long with proper care. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026

This latest take on the bob is set to become a trend this season thanks to its low-maintenance requirements and casual vibe. —Vanessa Santos, Glamour, 1 June 2026

Most barndominiums feature metal exteriors, which are a fairly low-maintenance exterior for homes. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026

How to Grow and Care for Milkweed Milkweed is an adaptable, low-maintenance perennial plant that can grow in USDA zones 3-9. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for low-maintenance

• maintenance