MAKESHIFT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does makeshift mean? 

• MAKESHIFT (noun)
  The noun MAKESHIFT has 1 sense:

1. something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency

  Familiarity information: MAKESHIFT used as a noun is very rare.

• MAKESHIFT (adjective)
  The adjective MAKESHIFT has 1 sense:

1. done or made using whatever is available

  Familiarity information: MAKESHIFT used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MAKESHIFT (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

make-do; makeshift; stopgap

Hypernyms ("makeshift" is a kind of...):

expedient (a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one)

Derivation:

makeshift (done or made using whatever is available)

• MAKESHIFT (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Done or made using whatever is available

Synonyms:

improvised; jury-rigged; makeshift

Context example:

the rock served as a makeshift hammer

Similar:

impermanent; temporary (not permanent; not lasting)

Derivation:

makeshift (something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency)

 Context examples 

The hack-work is only makeshift, and I don't take it seriously.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)