made do
/meɪd duː/
VERB
1. To manage with what is available
To deal with a situation by using whatever resources, materials, or alternatives are available, even when they are insufficient or less suitable than desired.
1.1. Managing with limited resources
Used when someone adapts to a shortage of money, supplies, equipment, or other necessities by making the best use of what is available.
Synonyms
- managed
- coped
- got by
- got along
- made shift
- fended for oneself
- eked out
- scraped by
- contrived
- survived
- made out
Antonyms
- failed
- fell short
- floundered
- collapsed
- gave up
Examples
- She forgot her umbrella, so she made do with a makeshift rain cover fashioned from a plastic bag.
- Despite the broken oven, the resourceful chef made do by cooking a delicious meal using only the stovetop.
- Stranded without a phone charger, he made do by borrowing a friend's charger for a quick battery boost.
- The camping trip took an unexpected turn when they realized they had forgotten the tent, but they quickly made do by setting up a cozy sleeping area in the car.
- With limited art supplies, the artist made do with household items, creating a stunning masterpiece from unconventional materials.
Related Words
- resourcefulness
- improvisation
- adaptation
- makeshift
- substitute
- necessity
- limited resources
- self-sufficiency
1.2. Getting by financially
Used when someone manages to meet basic expenses or maintain a modest standard of living despite having limited income or financial resources.
Synonyms
- made ends meet
- got by
- got along
- eked out
- scraped by
- fared
Antonyms
- fell short
- failed
- floundered
Examples
- With his modest salary, he made do by carefully budgeting his monthly expenses.
- The family made do with a limited income until the father found a better-paying job.
- During the difficult economic period, many households made do with less.
Related Words
- frugality
- thrift
- subsistence
- budgeting
- livelihood
- financial hardship
- basic needs