Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Done or made using whatever is available: Describes something created quickly for temporary use, often from available materials, because the proper or ideal item is not available.

2. Noun:

   • Something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency: A temporary and often improvised substitute or solution used until something better can be obtained.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • We built a makeshift shelter from branches and a tarp.
  • A stack of books served as a makeshift desk.

• Noun:

  • This old crate is just a makeshift until the new table arrives.
  • The emergency kit was a useful makeshift during the power outage.

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively: Often used directly before a noun to describe its temporary nature.

  • They set up a makeshift hospital in the school gym.

• Implied impermanence: The word strongly implies that the solution is not intended to be permanent and may be less effective or secure.

  • The makeshift repair held for a few days before failing.

Variants and Related Words

• Improvised (adj): Created spontaneously without preparation.
• Jury-rigged (adj): Assembled in a makeshift manner, especially for temporary use in an emergency (often for mechanical or structural things).
• Stopgap (n): A temporary substitute or measure.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Improvised, temporary, provisional, stopgap, emergency.
• Noun: Substitute, stopgap, expedient, temporary measure.

Related Phrases

• Makeshift arrangement: A temporary plan or agreement.

  • The peace treaty was only a makeshift arrangement.

• Of a makeshift nature: Describing something that has the qualities of being temporary and improvised.

  • The entire camp was of a makeshift nature.

Adjective

1. done or made using whatever is available
   • crossed the river on improvised bridges
   • the survivors used jury-rigged fishing gear
   • the rock served as a makeshift hammer

Noun

1. something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency