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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishQuickly improvised and not meant to last — a temporary fix rather than the real thing.
Common pairings
makeshift shelter
makeshift solution
makeshift repair
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like makeshift.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- makeshifts
- Comparative
- more makeshift
- Superlative
- most makeshift
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
