stopgap

American  

[stop-gap] / ˈstɒpˌgæp /

noun

1. something that fills the place of something else that is lacking; temporary substitute; makeshift.

   Candles are a stopgap when the electricity fails.

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adjective

1. makeshift.

   This is only a stopgap solution.

   Synonyms:

   impromptu, substitute, temporary, improvised

stopgap British  

/ ˈstɒpˌɡæp /

noun

1. 1. a temporary substitute for something else

   2. ( as modifier )

      a stopgap programme

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Etymology

Origin of stopgap

First recorded in 1525–35; noun, adj. use of verb phrase stop a gap

Explanation

A stopgap is a temporary solution to a problem, like a piece of cardboard taped over the broken window in your car. Until you can get it fixed, you need a stopgap. This sturdy English native dates to the early 16th century, and like its semantic cousin makeshift, it seems to have been cobbled together by the two closest words at hand. Both words actually originated from phrasal use of their components: stop a gap for the first, and make shift for the second. Not that they're jury-rigged in any way!

Example Sentences

But officials say those stopgap measures may not be sustainable if the shutdown drags on.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Any solution you can find to the woes of space is essentially a stopgap measure designed to keep astronauts relatively healthy for six-month stretches.

From Slate • Mar. 1, 2026

More companies chose a board member to run things day-to-day last year, usually a stopgap move that suggests succession hadn’t gone as planned, Spencer Stuart said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

Even if both sides reach a stopgap agreement, experts said the prospects of a long-term arms control treaty remained murky.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Either way, we were well past the point of any sort of stopgap treatment.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• Band-Aid