makeshift

American  

[meyk-shift] / ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft /

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

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adjective

1. Also makeshifty. serving as, or of the nature of, a makeshift.

   Synonyms:

   ersatz, jury, improvised, temporary, emergency

makeshift British  

/ ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft /

adjective

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

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noun

1. something serving in this capacity

Etymology

Origin of makeshift

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

Example Sentences

Renowned for its ability to operate from makeshift airstrips, it is widely used by militaries around the world and can carry everything from troops to vehicles.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Spurs' makeshift defence - missing starting centre-backs Clare Hunt and Toko Koga at the Asian Cup - were clearly second best to her.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

But he has been a cipher when it comes to the administration’s military “excursions,” as Trump calls them, and has reportedly even been exiled from the makeshift Mar-a-Lago situation room.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2026

If a local airfield wasn’t available, a makeshift one would need to be set up to fly equipment in and the material out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

Mom watches me as I inch further into her makeshift home.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller