make-do

American

[meyk-doo] / ˈmeɪkˌdu /

noun

plural

make-dos

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

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

adjective

used as a substitute; makeshift.

make-do curtains.

make do Idioms

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

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.

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

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

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023