upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp 

1

: the act of maintaining in good condition : the state of being maintained in good condition

2

: the cost of maintaining in good condition

Synonyms

• care and feeding
• conservation
• conserving
• keep
• maintenance
• preservation
• preserving
• sustentation

Examples of upkeep in a Sentence

Who is responsible for the upkeep of these buildings?

Once your car gets that old, the cost of upkeep can get very expensive.

The yard requires very little upkeep.

We sold our horse because we could no longer afford its upkeep.

Recent Examples on the Web

And once a rapport is established, the relationship requires upkeep. —Robert Harbols, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

Medina-Cleghorn adds that those with acne-prone or oily skin might require more upkeep to clear congestion. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2024

Cons: Can stain more easily and requires more upkeep than a plastic cutting board. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 17 Sep. 2024

Advertisement Property taxes have not been paid on the Mulholland home since 2022, according to the county assessor’s office, and neighbors said that upkeep on the property appears to have declined in recent years. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp 

: the act or cost of maintaining in good condition : maintenance