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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

It’s tempting to argue that “One Battle’s” all-but-inevitable Oscar victory is a make-do for the half-dozen times Anderson should have won before.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

The fans will have to make-do with a short written statement.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

And its make-do culture, using whatever is at hand, which often led to comical scenes in settings like museums.

From New York Times • Dec. 11, 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