Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
adj
Requiring a high degree of maintenance to ensure proper functioning, and without which it is likely to break down.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
adj
Requiring a lot of attention or reassurance; emotionally needy
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: derogatory, figuratively
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
According to the Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, the figurative sense was popularized by the 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally....
Across languages
3 source translations are retained for this English entry.
