half-measure
Not fully committed
A half-measure is an action that addresses a problem only partially or inadequately—an attempt that falls short of what's needed: The bill was criticized as a half-measure that wouldn't actually reduce emissions.
The term is usually dismissive, suggesting timidity or compromise where boldness was required.
Almost always plural: Half-measures won't solve this.
Temporary substitute measure
- Band-AidBranded adhesive strip
- patchworkFabric scraps sewn together
- makeshiftTemporary, improvised substitute
- workaroundMakeshift bypass of difficulty
palliative · superficial · token · cosmetic · inadequate · incomplete · partial · shortfall
Intermediate position between extremes
- concessionYielding a point
- trade-offExchange requiring sacrifice
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- accommodationShelter or housing provided
moderation · tempering · dilution · hedging · negotiation · bargaining · give-and-take · equivocation
Fearful lack of courage
- reluctanceDisinclination to act
- tentativenessState of being uncertain
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- hedgingNoncommittal maneuvering
wavering · vacillation · indecision · ambivalence · uncommitted · faltering · restraint · reticence
stopgap
Temporary substitute measure
- Band-AidBranded adhesive strip
- patchworkFabric scraps sewn together
- makeshiftTemporary, improvised substitute
workaround · palliative · superficial · token · cosmetic · inadequate · incomplete · partial · shortfall · deficient
middle-ground
Intermediate position between extremes
- concessionYielding a point
- trade-offExchange requiring sacrifice
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
accommodation · moderation · tempering · dilution · hedging · negotiation · bargaining · give-and-take · equivocation · fence-sitting
timidity
Fearful lack of courage
- reluctanceDisinclination to act
- tentativenessState of being uncertain
- cautionCareful attention to risk
hedging · wavering · vacillation · indecision · ambivalence · uncommitted · faltering · restraint · reticence · foot-dragging
half-measurefull measure
Complete quantity deserved
complete overhaul · overhaul · final solution · systematic approach
half-measuregoing all in
pulling out all the stops · going the whole hog · bold action · decisive action · no holds barred
measure, half, measured, halfway, measuring, measurement, halves, measurable, immeasurable