stopgap

/ˈstɒpɡæp/ (bre, ipa) · [stˈɑpɡˌæp] /ˈstɑːpɡæp/ (ame, ipa) · [stˈɑpɡˌæp] /ˈstäp-ˌgap How to pronounce stopgap (audio)/ (ame, mw)

stopgap — noun

  • stopgapsingular
  • stopgapsplural

1. a temporary way to handle a problem, used only until a better or more lasting an

1.名詞B2
釋義

a temporary way to handle a problem, used only until a better or more lasting answer is ready.

例句

Sivan used folding chairs as a stopgap until the new sofa arrived.

use something as a stopgap

The clinic rented portable heaters as a stopgap during the boiler repairs.

a stopgap during repairs

同義詞
  • temporary fix

    more everyday and direct; often used for repairs

  • makeshift

    suggests something quickly put together from what is available

  • workaround

    common for methods that avoid a problem, especially in tech or office tasks

反義詞

文法句型

use something as a stopgap

a stopgap until something happens

用法筆記

Usually appears in phrases like 'as a stopgap' and suggests a short-term measure taken while people expect a more suitable replacement later.

常見錯誤

❌The new bridge is a stopgap.
✅The temporary bridge is a stopgap until the new bridge opens.
💡a stopgap is the short-term substitute, not the final solution.