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• make-do
  make-do

  noun

  something that serves as a substitute, especially of an inferior or expedient nature.
• make do
  make do

  Get along with the means available, especially insufficient means. For example, We'll just have to make do with one potato apiece. [c. 1900]

make-do

American  

[meyk-doo] / ˈmeɪkˌdu /

noun

make-dos plural

1. something that serves as a substitute, especially of an inferior or expedient nature.

   We had to get along with make-dos during the war.

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adjective

1. used as a substitute; makeshift.

   make-do curtains.

make do Idioms  

1. Get along with the means available, especially insufficient means. For example, We'll just have to make do with one potato apiece. [c. 1900]

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• make-dos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of make-do

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

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

Her upbringing during the war instilled in Biddy an ability to make-do and mend which later became part of the Blue Peter ethos.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025

“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

Because of higher costs and limited supplies in the massive, remote state, they embrace an interdependent and make-do ethos to the benefit of their Buddhist community, she said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 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

Related Words

• brief
• interim
• limited
• makeshift
• momentary
• provisional
• short-lived
• transitory