What is a makeshift solution?

A makeshift solution refers to a remedy or fix that is not ideal but is devised quickly in response to an urgent need. This type of solution often arises when a more thorough or permanent resolution cannot be implemented immediately, making it a practical, though often temporary, answer to an immediate problem.

By definition, the essence of a makeshift solution is its ability to accommodate urgency and practicality over long-term stability and reliability. This characteristic is what distinguishes it from solutions that are designed to be permanent or those that are deemed always effective. The term “contrived” in the definition reinforces that the solution may be crafted rather hastily and is often not a long-term answer, aligning well with the scenario described in the question.