What does "maintaining" mean?

1. (keeping in good condition) keeping something like a building, car, or road in good working order. 2. (continuing a state) keeping a situation or a feeling going without letting it stop. 3. (asserting a fact) continuing to say that something is true, even if other people do not believe you. 4. (the process of upkeep) the work needed to keep something in good condition.

How do you use "maintaining"?

Often used as a gerund acting as the subject of a sentence. Takes a direct object representing the state or condition being preserved. Often followed by a 'that' clause.

maintaining

v. · n.

US //meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ// UK //meɪntˈeɪnɪŋ// main·tain·ing

1 keeping in good condition (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

keeping something like a building, car, or road in good working order.

the act of performing regular upkeep on physical infrastructure or equipment to prevent deterioration.

Example

Maintaining your car regularly will help it last much longer.

Example

Maintaining the historic bridge requires specialized engineering teams to inspect the ironwork for signs of fatigue every six months.

Usage

Often used as a gerund acting as the subject of a sentence.
- preserving
- servicing
- upkeeping
- neglecting
- damaging
2 continuing a state (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

keeping a situation or a feeling going without letting it stop.

sustaining a particular state, condition, or level of activity over a period of time.

Example

Maintaining a healthy diet is easier if you plan your meals in advance.

Example

The central bank is focused on maintaining price stability despite the volatile fluctuations in the global energy market.

Usage

Takes a direct object representing the state or condition being preserved.
- stopping
- abandoning

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 asserting a fact (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

continuing to say that something is true, even if other people do not believe you.

strongly asserting or adhering to a position or statement in the face of opposition or doubt.

Example

He is still maintaining that he was at home during the accident.

Example

Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant remained steadfast in maintaining his innocence throughout the trial.

Usage

Often followed by a 'that' clause.
- denying
- retracting
4 the process of upkeep (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the work needed to keep something in good condition.

the systematic process of preservation or the functional upkeep of a system.

Example

The maintaining of the garden takes up most of her weekend.

Example

The constant maintaining of the software is necessary to protect the network against emerging security threats.

Teacher's tip

While 'maintaining' can be a noun, 'maintenance' is much more common for the general concept of upkeep.
- maintenance
- upkeep
- neglect