workaround

or work-a·round

[ wurk-uh-round ]

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.

workaround

/ ˈwɜːkəˌraʊnd /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of workaround¹

First recorded in 1970–75; work + around

Example Sentences

In a district where students are all assigned Chromebooks and Google-based email accounts, students figured out a workaround.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the current record for the highest laser intensity in the world, demonstrated by CoReLS, is still a million times below this threshold, the team employed a workaround: an ultra-relativistic electron beam collided with an ultrahigh intensity laser pulse, exploiting Einstein's theory of relativity.

From Science Daily

The US does not have diplomatic relations with Tehran but a private meeting with Musk provided a workaround, allowing Iran to avoid a meeting with an American official, according to the New York Times.

From BBC

“Apologies! We’ve received similar reports and our team is currently investigating this issue. We’re working to get things resolved ASAP. In the meantime, try using: https://t.co/qxlmnIPbSj as a possible workaround!”

From Los Angeles Times

That is, as we witnessed, not quite the same thing but more than enough to throw Vance slightly off-balance, especially since neither O’Donnell nor Brennan announced they’d be wielding this workaround during the debate.

From Salon