Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who constructs buildings quickly and cheaply using substandard materials: A "jerry-builder" is someone who builds houses or other structures with the primary goal of making a fast profit, often sacrificing quality, safety, and durability by using poor materials and hasty construction methods. The term carries a strong negative connotation of dishonesty and shoddy workmanship.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The new housing development collapsed after a year; it was clearly the work of a jerry-builder.
  • Authorities are cracking down on jerry-builders who exploit building regulations to cut corners.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term is often used attributively (like an adjective) to describe the practices or the resulting buildings, e.g., "jerry-built houses" or "jerry-building practices."
• It implies a deliberate, profit-driven choice to use inferior methods, not merely accidental poor construction.

Variants and Related Words

• Jerry-build (verb): To construct buildings in this cheap and careless manner.
  • They tried to jerry-build the entire neighborhood in six months.
• Jerry-built (adjective): Describes something that is poorly and hastily constructed.
  • We bought a jerry-built cottage that now needs constant repairs.

Synonyms

• Cowboy builder (informal, chiefly UK): An unqualified or dishonest builder who does poor work.
• Shoddy builder: A builder who produces low-quality work.

Antonyms

• Quality builder
• Reputable contractor

Idioms and Phrases

• While not a phrasal verb, the term is central to the idiom "jerry-built," which is widely used to criticize anything (not just buildings) that is made flimsily or without care for long-term integrity.
  • The software update felt jerry-built, full of bugs and glitches.

Noun

1. someone who builds cheap buildings out of poor materials on speculation for a quick profit