High-maintenance

Full definition of high-maintenance

Adjective

1. Describes a system which requires a high degree of maintenance to ensure proper functioning and without which it is likely to break down.
2. (figuratively, pejorative, of a person) requiring a lot of attention or reassurance; emotionally needyHe has this incredibly high-maintenance girlfriend; if he doesn't tell her that he loves her every five minutes, she tends to break down into hysterical depressive weepy fits.

Usage notes

According to the Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, "high-maintenance" was popularized by When Harry Met Sally..., an American film released in 1989. cite web |url= http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A04EEDC1138F93BA25752C1A961958260 |title= From 'Happy Camper' to 'Out of Sight' |author= Michiko Kakutani |work= The New York Times |publisher= Review of Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume II: H-O. ISBN 0-67943-464-X |date= 18 November 1997

Antonyms

• low-maintenance

Synonyms

• (figuratively) expensive, insecure