makeshift — temporary and usually of poor quality, made from whatever is available
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: temporary and usually of poor quality, made from whatever is available
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmeɪkʃɪft/
Example Sentences
- When the restaurant ran out of plates, they served pizza on makeshift paper plate frisbees.
- The students built a makeshift fort out of desks and chairs during the fire drill.
- After the earthquake, many families lived in makeshift shelters for weeks.
makeshift
ADJECTIVE[/ˈmeɪkʃɪft/]
temporary and usually of poor quality, made from whatever is available

They built a makeshift shelter from branches and a torn tarp before the storm hit.

Graveshift workers make do with makeshift!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the phrase 'make shift' meaning to manage or get by. The term originated in Middle English, combining 'make' (to create or manage) with 'shift' (an expedient or substitute), first used as a noun in the 16th century and later as an adjective.
Breakdown
make (create, manage) + shift (expedient, substitute, temporary solution) = makeshift (temporary substitute made from available materials)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When the restaurant ran out of plates, they served pizza on makeshift paper plate frisbees.”
“The students built a makeshift fort out of desks and chairs during the fire drill.”
“After the earthquake, many families lived in makeshift shelters for weeks.”
“His makeshift alarm clock was actually three roosters taking turns outside his window.”
“The makeshift stage collapsed when the lead singer started dancing too enthusiastically.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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