Word
upkeep
Phoneticsup·keep, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəpˌkip/
UK/ˈʌpkiːp/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the work and money needed to keep a building, machine, or park in good condition. It is what you do to prevent something from breaking or becoming old and dirty.
n. the process of maintaining something in good condition through regular repair or financial support. Refers to both the physical labor and the associated costs of maintenance.
Examples
“The upkeep of a large garden takes a lot of time.”
“The city council struggled to find enough money for the upkeep of the historic library.”
“While the initial purchase price of the estate was surprisingly low, the annual cost of its upkeep proved to be a significant burden for the new owners.”
Examples
simple
“The upkeep of a large garden takes a lot of time.”
contextual
“The city council struggled to find enough money for the upkeep of the historic library.”
complex
“While the initial purchase price of the estate was surprisingly low, the annual cost of its upkeep proved to be a significant burden for the new owners.”
Usage
Typically used with the preposition 'of' to specify the object being maintained.
Real-World Examples
“The age and upkeep of these school buildings affect students’ health and their ability to learn.” “Those homeowners must share the costs of the blocks’ upkeep.” Etymology
From up + keep.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
PHRASAL VERB
PREPOSITION
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/upkeep