done or made using whatever is available; "crossed the river on improvised bridges"; "the survivors used jury-rigged fishing gear"; "the rock served as a makeshift hammer"
Makeshift things are temporary and usually of poor quality, but they are used because there is nothing better available. the cardboard boxes and makeshift shelters of the homeless. made to be used for a short time only when nothing better is available (make shift (15-19 centuries))