maintenance noun
1 keeping sth in good condition
ADJ. annual, regular, routine | long-term, ongoing | proper | essential The power station has been shut down for essential maintenance. | preventative | careful | easy The engine is designed for easy maintenance. | low, minimal This type of garden requires minimal maintenance. | on-site | aircraft, car, machine, etc.
VERB + MAINTENANCE carry out We carry out routine maintenance of the equipment. | need, require
MAINTENANCE + NOUN engineer, crew, man, staff, team | bill, costs | contract | service We provide a maintenance service on all our products. | programme | work
2 money paid to support sb
ADJ. child
VERB + MAINTENANCE pay | claim
MAINTENANCE + NOUN payments | arrears He was jailed for failing to pay maintenance arrears.
PREP. in ~ He pays £1,000 a month in child maintenance.