adj Uncommon

makeshift

MAYK-shihft

Makeshift (adj) means Put together quickly as a temporary, improvised solution. Example: “They built a makeshift shelter out of branches and tarpaulin.”

adj

Put together quickly as a temporary, improvised solution.

"They built a makeshift shelter out of branches and tarpaulin."

"The old door served as a makeshift table."

How to use makeshift

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishQuickly improvised and not meant to last — a temporary fix rather than the real thing.

Common pairings

makeshift shelter makeshift solution makeshift repair

Word forms

more makeshift comparative, makeshifts plural, makeshifts plural, most makeshift superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They built a _____ shelter out of branches and tarpaulin.

Etymology

A combination of make and shift, first recorded in the 1550s.

· First attested 1550

Class of 1550 makeshift joined the language around 1550.

tornado

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Frequently asked questions

What does “makeshift” mean?

The word “makeshift” means put together quickly as a temporary, improvised solution. In plain terms, quickly improvised and not meant to last — a temporary fix rather than the real thing.

How do you pronounce “makeshift”?

“Makeshift” is pronounced MAYK-shihft (/ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/ in IPA).

How do you use “makeshift” in a sentence?

Here is “makeshift” used in a sentence: “They built a makeshift shelter out of branches and tarpaulin.”

What part of speech is “makeshift”?

“Makeshift” is an adjective.

Where does the word “makeshift” come from?

The word “makeshift” dates back to around 1550. A combination of make and shift, first recorded in the 1550s.

Is “makeshift” a common word?

“Makeshift” is an uncommon word in modern English.