Word
maintenance
Meanings
the work of keeping machines, buildings, or systems in good condition by checking and repairing them regularly
regular care and support that keeps a service, project, or process working effectively over time
the ongoing costs or resources needed to keep something operating or in good condition
Definition
Maintenance is the work of keeping something in good condition through regular checking, repair, and care.
Maintenance refers to the activities needed to keep equipment, buildings, or systems working properly and safely. It often involves routine inspections, cleaning, replacing worn parts, and fixing small problems before they become serious. In organizations, it can also describe ongoing support that ensures services run smoothly over time.
Examples
- After the storm, the bridge required extensive maintenance to meet safety standards again.
- I schedule maintenance on my bike every few months so it stays reliable on long rides.
- Their landlord promised maintenance, but the leaking pipe still hasn’t been fixed.
- She budgeted for routine maintenance because older cars can become unpredictable without it.
- The airport carried out overnight maintenance to minimize disruption to daytime flights.
Common mistake
Learners often misspell it as "maintainance" instead of "maintenance."
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