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

“Full Time” is canny enough to understand that many people’s make-do existences are ready-made for compassionate thriller-ization.

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A flick of a match, and the make-do candle is lit.

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And its make-do culture, using whatever is at hand, which often led to comical scenes in settings like museums.

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Because of higher costs and limited supplies in the massive, remote state, they embrace an interdependent and make-do ethos to the benefit of their Buddhist community, she said.

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The make-do attitude is common these days around Jackson.

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Related Words

• brief 
• interim 
• limited 
• makeshift 
• momentary 
• provisional 
• short-lived 
• transitory