upkeep

/ˈʌpkiːp/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌpkˌip] /ˈʌpkiːp/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈʌpkˌip] /ˈəp-ˌkēp How to pronounce upkeep (audio)/ (ame, mw)

upkeep — noun

1. money spent, or work done, to keep a building, machine, garden, or other thing w

1.名詞B2
釋義

money spent, or work done, to keep a building, machine, garden, or other thing working well and looking good over time

例句

The annual upkeep of the village bridge cost more than the council expected.

the upkeep of + building / structure

Imani saves part of her wages each month for motorcycle upkeep.

save money for + upkeep

同義詞
  • maintenance

    the closest general synonym; more common in technical and formal contexts

  • care

    broader and less focused on regular cost or practical work

  • servicing

    used especially for machines or vehicles rather than buildings or gardens

反義詞
  • neglect

    failure to give regular care

  • disrepair

    the poor condition that results when upkeep is missing

文法句型

the upkeep of + noun phrase

upkeep costs / expenses

用法筆記

Usually uncountable. This sense covers regular care and the money it requires, not one single repair. It is often used with of for a building, vehicle, garden, or similar thing.

常見錯誤

❌The old roof needs many upkeeps.
✅The old roof needs a lot of upkeep.
💡'upkeep' is usually an uncountable noun.

2. the money or support needed to feed, house, and care for a person or animal so t

2.名詞C1
釋義

the money or support needed to feed, house, and care for a person or animal so that they can live properly

例句

After the divorce, the court ordered monthly upkeep for the two children.

formal use: upkeep for a child

The rescue centre relies on donations for the upkeep of injured horses.

the upkeep of + animal

同義詞
  • support

    broader and can include emotional or practical help as well as money

  • maintenance

    formal, especially in legal contexts about money for a child or former partner

  • living expenses

    more everyday and usually used for a person's general costs

反義詞
  • neglect

    failure to provide the care or money needed

文法句型

pay for + someone's upkeep

the upkeep of + person / animal

用法筆記

More formal than everyday phrases like living costs. It is used especially for a child, another dependent person, or an animal, and it focuses on what is needed for daily life rather than on maintaining an object.

常見錯誤

❌The dog's upkeep are expensive.
✅The dog's upkeep is expensive.
💡'upkeep' is usually treated as an uncountable noun.