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maintenance

[meyn-tuh-nuhns] / ˈmeɪn tə nəns /


Usage

What are other ways to say maintenance?

Generally, maintenance refers to care or upkeep, as of machinery or property. But sometimes, maintenance refers to what is spent for the living of another: to provide for the maintenance or support of someone. Maintenance occasionally refers to the allowance itself provided for livelihood: They are entitled to a maintenance from this estate. Living and livelihood (a somewhat more formal word), both refer to what one earns to keep (oneself) alive, but are seldom interchangeable within the same phrase: to earn one's living; to threaten one's livelihood. “To make a living” suggests making just enough to keep alive, and is particularly frequent in the negative: You cannot make a living out of that. “To make a livelihood out of something” suggests rather making a business of it: to make a livelihood out of knitting hats. 


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Air India says repairs were "carried out in accordance with Boeing-approved maintenance procedures" and that "the aircraft was returned to service only after applicable airworthiness requirements had been satisfied".

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

The move would give lawmakers power over the center’s operations, maintenance and management.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Still, investors should be on the lookout for any recommendations regarding the maintenance and operation of Boeing’s flagship 787 jet.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

He seeks applicants for the 115-acre campus who align with his “faith-based education” goals and recommends budgeting $1.5 million annually for maintenance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

I carry equipment to school rallies and assemblies, I move desks for teachers, and I help out the maintenance staff with stuff like moving bleachers or rolling out the big garbage bins on trash day.

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya




Vocabulary lists containing maintenance


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