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

To help with busy summer travel and the desire for a slower pace during the warmer months, retailers are making life a little bit easier with low-maintenance decor. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026

In addition to being hardy and low-maintenance, spicebush is a beautiful addition to landscapes. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026

These low-maintenance plants that thrive in full sun can handle it—and will do so happily. —Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 28 Apr. 2026

Many are drought-tolerant, thrive in a variety of soil conditions, and are all-around low-maintenance plants. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for low-maintenance

• maintenance