make-do

[ meyk-doo ]

noun

, plural make-dos.

1. something that serves as a substitute, especially of an inferior or expedient nature:

   We had to get along with make-dos during the war.

adjective

1. used as a substitute; makeshift:

   make-do curtains.

Word History and Origins

Origin of make-do¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Idioms and Phrases

Get along with the means available, especially insufficient means. For example, We'll just have to make do with one potato apiece . [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

The newlyweds moved into the park, making do in a shipping container that housed a bathroom and two military surplus cots.

From Los Angeles Times

Odds are, you could make do with a much less expensive car that you can buy outright, rather than going into debt for it.

From Salon

The playground itself is quite small, but people make do by sitting on the ground and standing on the sides of the barricades.

From Salon

Herbert made do against the Cardinals, leaning on a collection of lesser-known players best exemplified by below-the-radar tight end Will Dissly, who caught eight passes for 81 yards, both game highs.

From Los Angeles Times

For now, viewers will have to make do with imagining just what might have happened in Rio and Agatha’s past to foster their strained relationship — at least until the pair are reunited.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ad-lib
• brainstorm
• concoct
• contrive
• devise
• dream up
• invent
• throw together