Maintenance Meaning
Maintenance Definition & Usage
The process of keeping something in good condition through regular checks, repairs, or updates.
Examples
- "The maintenance of the building is the responsibility of the property management team."
- "The car has been running smoothly since the mechanic performed maintenance on it last week."
- "Routine maintenance on the machines is scheduled every three months."
- "Without proper maintenance, the equipment will eventually break down."
- "He was in charge of maintenance for the entire office building, ensuring everything from plumbing to electrical systems was functioning."
Financial or emotional support provided to someone or something, especially to ensure continued stability or survival.
Examples
- "The alimony provided to her after the divorce covered her basic maintenance costs."
- "Child maintenance payments were established to ensure that both parents contribute to the child’s upbringing."
- "The company has provided maintenance support to its customers for over 20 years."
- "The community’s maintenance efforts ensured that the historic building would remain intact for future generations."
- "He contributed to the maintenance of the family farm, working hard to sustain its operations."
Cultural Context
The word 'maintenance' has evolved over time from a simple notion of 'support' to its current common understanding of 'upkeep'. In various professional fields such as engineering, automotive, and property management, maintenance is crucial to ensuring the longevity of machinery and infrastructure. It is not limited to physical items, as it also has applications in emotional and financial spheres, particularly in terms like 'maintenance payments'.
The Hidden Costs of Neglecting Maintenance
Story
The Hidden Costs of Neglecting Maintenance
Carla had always considered herself too busy to worry about maintenance. Whether it was her car, her apartment, or even her relationships, she let things slide. But one day, as she started her car, she heard a strange noise coming from under the hood. At first, she shrugged it off, but soon the engine began to sputter and stall, leaving her stranded on the side of the road. As she waited for the tow truck, she remembered her mechanic’s warning about the importance of regular maintenance checks. That’s when it hit her—maintenance wasn’t just about machines. It applied to everything in her life. Weeks later, after spending a fortune on repairs and struggling with the breakdowns, Carla decided to change her mindset. She began by taking better care of her car, scheduling regular maintenance appointments. But she also took the time to care for her relationships. She started giving more attention to her friends and family, ensuring their emotional maintenance was in place. Her efforts paid off, and her life started running smoother. Maintenance, she realized, was an investment in longevity—whether for her car, her health, or her friendships. The story came full circle when Carla helped her neighbor, Michael, who had been feeling the strain of financial hardship. Michael had been receiving maintenance payments to help with his child’s upbringing, but he was unsure how to manage them. Carla, having learned the value of consistent upkeep, offered him advice on budgeting and ensuring the payments would be used wisely. Together, they found a way to manage the payments and set up a sustainable plan for both of them. By the end of the year, Carla’s car was running better than ever, her relationships were stronger, and Michael was on his way to financial stability. Maintenance, she now knew, wasn’t just about fixing things when they broke—it was about maintaining the things that mattered most before they fell apart.
