workaround

American  

[wurk-uh-round] / ˈwɜrk əˌraʊnd /

Or work-around

noun

1. Computers. a strategy or technique used to overcome a defect or other problem in a program or system.

   This is a known bug in version 1.5, but a workaround is available.

2. any method used to overcome a technical problem, especially a problem that could prevent success.

   The astronauts needed a workaround to bypass the faulty cable.

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workaround British  

/ ˈwɜːkəˌraʊnd /

noun

1. a method of circumventing or overcoming a problem in a computer program or system

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Etymology

Origin of workaround

First recorded in 1970–75; work + around

Example Sentences

The project’s cost skyrocketed when plumbers had to perform an expensive workaround to bypass the concrete.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

It’s the kind of ingredient that makes the whole dairy-free thing feel less like a workaround and more like an upgrade.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

It’s a clever workaround and it would be technically feasible, but you are correct in that the opportunity cost and potential capital-gains taxes from liquidating other assets probably outweigh those tax savings.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

A workaround was found to isolate the batteries from the vibration, which allowed the car to run for longer.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Fortunately, the rest of the brain is equipped with a workaround for the bottleneck.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker