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

This low-maintenance shrub is drought tolerant once established and resists deer browsing. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025

Shades like this are low-maintenance, versatile, and chic, adds Smith. —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Nov. 2025

Leviathan is also incredibly low-maintenance. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2025

In the future, consider buying low-maintenance houseplants or faux foliage to avoid dying plant clutter. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for low-maintenance

• maintenance