makeshift
Thrown together quickly
Makeshift describes something improvised or assembled from whatever is available when the proper materials or equipment are lacking.
A makeshift shelter might be constructed from tarps and branches; a makeshift bandage from a torn shirt.
The word carries connotations of temporary, rough-and-ready solutions—functional but not ideal.
They set up a makeshift stage in the parking lot.
As a noun, a makeshift is the improvised thing itself: The cardboard box served as a makeshift for a proper desk.
Created without prior planning
- jury-riggedTemporarily fixed with scraps
- cobbledSurfaced with rounded stones
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
- provisionalConditional and possibly temporary
interim · band-aid · thrown-together · patched · kludged · MacGyvered · ad-hoc · transient
What takes another's place
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- surrogateOne acting for another
- alternativeAnother available choice
- proxyAuthorized substitute
fill-in · ersatz · back-up · imitation · substitute · replica · workaround · placeholder
Uneven in surface
- rudimentaryIn simplest possible form
- primitiveIn earliest form
- basicFundamental in nature
- unrefinedNot processed or polished
simple · clumsy · raw · unpolished · unsophisticated · ramshackle · rickety · slapdash
Act of altering something
- conversionAct of changing states
- repurposingAdapting for different use
- alterationAct of modifying
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
reconfiguration · transformation · retrofit · improvisation · workaround · hack · bricolage · adaptation
Cleverly original in design
- inventiveShowing original thought
- creativeProducing original ideas
- cleverShowing mental quickness
- scrappyAggressively spirited despite odds
adaptive · improvisational · quick-thinking · cunning · enterprising · handy · practical · strategic
improvised
Created without prior planning
- jury-riggedTemporarily fixed with scraps
- cobbledSurfaced with rounded stones
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
provisional · interim · band-aid · thrown-together · patched · kludged · MacGyvered · ad-hoc · transient · short-term
replacement
What takes another's place
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- surrogateOne acting for another
- alternativeAnother available choice
proxy · fill-in · ersatz · back-up · imitation · substitute · replica · workaround · placeholder · contingency
rough
Uneven in surface
- rudimentaryIn simplest possible form
- primitiveIn earliest form
- basicFundamental in nature
unrefined · simple · clumsy · raw · unpolished · unsophisticated · ramshackle · rickety · slapdash · haphazard
modification
Act of altering something
- conversionAct of changing states
- repurposingAdapting for different use
- alterationAct of modifying
adjustment · reconfiguration · transformation · retrofit · improvisation · workaround · hack · bricolage · adaptation
ingenious
Cleverly original in design
scrappy · adaptive · improvisational · quick-thinking · cunning · enterprising · handy · practical · strategic · tactical
shelter
Protected place or structure
- stretcherPortable frame for casualties
- splintDevice immobilizing injured limbs
- tourniquetCompression band stopping hemorrhage
bandage · raft · weapon · barricade · survival · triage · rescue · evacuation · disaster · crisis
- temporarytemporary, temp job, interim, temp worker, provisional
- improviseimprovise, wing it, ad-lib, jury-rig, cobble together
- Quick Fixesduct tape fix, band-aid, superglue, duct tape, safety pin
- shoddinessslipshod, slapdash, hack job, botch job, botch
- makeshift fixesquick fix, stopgap, duct tape, band-aid, bandaid
- rough-and-readyimprovised, crude, rough, provisional, stopgap
makeshiftpurpose-built
Made for specific function
professional · proper · custom-made · bespoke · designed
- makeshift shelterCrude temporary refuge
- makeshift housingImprovised temporary dwelling
- makeshift homesImprovised temporary dwellings