makeshift

[ meyk-shift ]

noun

1. a temporary expedient or substitute:

   We used boxes as a makeshift while the kitchen chairs were being painted.

   Synonyms: jury-rig, contrivance, make-do

adjective

1. Also makeshifty. serving as, or of the nature of, a makeshift.

   Synonyms: ersatz, jury, improvised, temporary, emergency

makeshift

/ ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft /

adjective

1. serving as a temporary or expedient means, esp during an emergency

noun

1. something serving in this capacity

Word History and Origins

Origin of makeshift¹

First recorded in 1555–65; noun, adj. use of verb phrase make shift

Example Sentences

Volker Türk told the UN Security Council that Israeli operations in the north had killed hundreds of people, destroyed entire refugee camps and makeshift medical sites, and displaced more than 40,000 Palestinians.

From BBC

That impulse translated into nights developing stock in a makeshift darkroom Lanthimos rigged in his Budapest apartment’s bathroom.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Scott, 73, from Essex, looks after a memorial stone from the 1950s at the farm and a makeshift collection of memorabilia in his attic.

From BBC

Sitting on mats under a makeshift tent in the compound of the academy are families of the students.

From BBC

Last week, BBC File on 4 Investigates heard that millions of these tyres - sent for recycling - were actually being "cooked" in makeshift furnaces, causing serious health problems and environmental damage.

From BBC