Definition

1. Noun:
   • A temporary substitute or expedient: Something used to meet an immediate, urgent need or to fill a temporary shortage until a proper or permanent solution can be found.

Usage

• The word "stopgap" functions as a noun. It describes a person, measure, or object that serves as a temporary solution to a problem or fills a role for a limited time.
• It is often used to describe solutions that are not ideal or permanent but are necessary to prevent a worse situation in the short term.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old generator is just a stopgap until the new power plant is built.
  • They hired a temporary worker as a stopgap while they searched for a permanent manager.
  • This policy is merely a stopgap measure to address the immediate crisis.

Advanced Usage

• "Act as a stopgap": To serve as a temporary solution.
  • The emergency fund acted as a stopgap until the insurance payment arrived.
• "Stopgap solution": A common collocation emphasizing the temporary nature of the fix.
  • We need a long-term plan, not just another stopgap solution.

Variants and Related Words

• Makeshift (noun/adj): A temporary and often crude substitute.
  • They built a makeshift shelter from branches.
• Interim (adj/noun): Intended to last for an intermediate period; a temporary arrangement.
  • She was appointed as the interim director.
• Provisional (adj): Arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later.
  • A provisional government was established.

Synonyms

• Temporary measure
• Makeshift
• Expedient
• Interim solution
• Band-Aid solution (informal, implying a superficial fix)

Antonyms

• Permanent solution
• Long-term fix
• Final answer

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A stopgap measure": This is the most common phrase using "stopgap." It explicitly labels an action or policy as temporary.
  • The tax cut was a stopgap measure to stimulate the economy.
• "To plug the gap": An idiom meaning to provide a temporary solution for a deficiency. While not containing the word "stopgap," it conveys a similar idea.
  • The new hire will plug the gap in our team until the project is complete.

Noun

1. something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency