make-do
B2Informal
Definition
Meaning
To manage or cope with what is available, even if it's not ideal or sufficient.
An attitude or state of temporary acceptance, often implying resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of scarcity or limitations. Also used as an adjective describing a temporary or improvised substitute.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term inherently carries connotations of temporariness, improvisation, and dealing with a shortage. It often implies a positive attitude toward coping. As a noun ('make-do') or adjective ('make-do'), it is hyphenated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties. It is perhaps slightly more frequent in British English. The compound noun 'make do and mend' is a historically British phrase from WWII austerity campaigns.
Connotations
Shared connotations of resourcefulness. In British English, it may have slightly stronger historical/cultural ties to periods of rationing.
Frequency
Common in both, though corpus data suggests marginally higher frequency in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJ] make do with [OBJECT/NOUN PHRASE][SUBJ] make do without [OBJECT/NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make do and mend”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Describing temporary budget constraints or using older equipment: 'The department will have to make do with last year's budget.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing. May appear in historical or sociological texts discussing resource management.
Everyday
Very common for discussing shortages at home, while travelling, or with money: 'We ran out of milk, so we'll make do with black coffee.'
Technical
Uncommon in most technical fields. May appear in engineering/design in phrases like 'make-do solution' for a temporary fix.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- When the power cut happened, we made do with candles and a camping stove.
- They couldn't afford a new car, so they made do with their old banger for another year.
American English
- If the hotel is booked, we'll make do with a motel for the night.
- The team made do without their star player and still won the game.
adverb
British English
- We lived make-do for a few months after the flood.
- (Note: Adverbial use is rare and highly informal, often appearing as 'in a make-do fashion').
American English
- They got by make-do until the next paycheck.
- (Note: Adverbial use is rare and highly informal).
adjective
British English
- They set up a make-do office in the garden shed.
- It was a make-do solution until the proper parts arrived.
American English
- We slept on a make-do bed of couch cushions.
- The make-do repair held just long enough to get us home.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have no pen. I must make do with a pencil.
- We didn't have enough chairs, so some people made do with sitting on the floor.
- The recipe needs cream, but you can make do with milk.
- Funding was cut, so the research team had to make do with outdated equipment.
- A make-do shelter was quickly assembled from branches and a tarpaulin.
- The government's make-do policy failed to address the structural deficiencies in the system.
- Philosophically, he advocated a make-do approach to life's inevitable shortages, valuing adaptability over acquisition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MAKEr (craftsman) who has to DO a job with limited tools. He MAKES DO.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADEQUACY IS SUFFICIENCY, RESOURCEFULNESS IS IMPROVISATION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'делать делать'.
- It is not the same as 'make' + infinitive (e.g., 'make someone do something').
- Avoid confusing with 'do without' (обходиться без), though 'make do without' is a valid phrase.
Common Mistakes
- Writing as one word: 'makedo'.
- Incorrectly conjugating 'do' (e.g., 'He makes does' instead of 'He makes do').
- Using it without 'with' when an object is needed: 'We must make do the old sofa.' (Incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct and complete verb phrase?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a verb phrase, it is always two words: 'make do'. When used as a hyphenated compound noun or adjective, it is 'make-do' (e.g., 'a make-do attitude').
Yes. 'Make do without [something]' is a common and correct construction, meaning to manage in the absence of that thing.
Primarily a verb phrase. It can also function as a hyphenated noun (e.g., 'It was a bit of a make-do') or, more commonly, a hyphenated adjective (e.g., 'a make-do solution').
'Make do' is the standard fixed phrase. 'Make it do' is non-standard and would only be found in very informal or dialectal speech, if at all. Always use 'make do'.
Explore