make-do
noun
something that serves as a substitute, especially of an inferior or expedient nature.
make-do
American
[mayk-doo]
/ ˈmeɪkˌdu /
noun
-
make-dos
plural
adjective
make do
Idioms
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of make-do
First recorded in 1890–95
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Instead, Ukrainians are showing the resilience and make-do attitude that have frustrated Moscow’s efforts to pummel them into submission.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 26, 2026
The fans will have to make-do with a short written statement.
From BBC ● Jan. 5, 2026
“Full Time” is canny enough to understand that many people’s make-do existences are ready-made for compassionate thriller-ization.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2023
The make-do attitude is common these days around Jackson.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 31, 2022
“Your make-do is better than the Ritz,” I said, helping myself to some more chicken and dumplings.
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
To keep going, he tries "not to think too much about the problems" and to make do "with the little one has."
From Barron's ● Aug. 4, 2026
Edwards said the club had been unable to pay for winter training facilities on time and coaches had to make do with "worn-out resources".
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
In Denver, some neighborhoods make do with narrow strips of concrete—really just widened curbs—that are mysteriously known as “Hollywood sidewalks.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
The Angels’ offense, finishing with four hits, found a way to make do without solely relying on the long ball.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 25, 2026
The only other means of mobilizing people rapidly and entirely is with a new religion; none was handy; he would make do with war.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Between those two poles lies the observation that popular collar stay make-dos include paper clips, strips of business cards, and—hat tip to Heloise—wood coffee stirrers.
From Slate ● Mar. 12, 2014
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
