Word
maintaining
Phoneticsmain·tain·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ/
UK/meɪntˈeɪnɪŋ/
Definitions
01keeping in good condition
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. keeping something like a building, car, or road in good working order.
v. the act of performing regular upkeep on physical infrastructure or equipment to prevent deterioration.
“Maintaining your car regularly will help it last much longer.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02continuing a state
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. keeping a situation or a feeling going without letting it stop.
v. sustaining a particular state, condition, or level of activity over a period of time.
“Maintaining a healthy diet is easier if you plan your meals in advance.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03asserting a fact
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. continuing to say that something is true, even if other people do not believe you.
v. strongly asserting or adhering to a position or statement in the face of opposition or doubt.
“He is still maintaining that he was at home during the accident.”
“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.
Antonyms
04the process of upkeep
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the work needed to keep something in good condition.
n. the systematic process of preservation or the functional upkeep of a system.
“The maintaining of the garden takes up most of her weekend.”
“The constant maintaining of the software is necessary to protect the network against emerging security threats.”
Teaching tip
While 'maintaining' can be a noun, 'maintenance' is much more common for the general concept of upkeep.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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