English Meaning & Definitions
A temporary way of dealing with a problem or satisfying a need until a more permanent solution is available.
- “The temporary shelter was just a stopgap for the displaced families.”
- “They used the old software as a stopgap until the new system was fully developed.”
Serving as a temporary substitute or solution.
- “The management introduced stopgap measures to deal with the sudden drop in revenue.”
- “She took a stopgap job at the café while searching for her ideal career.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “stopgap”.
Derived from the verbal phrase 'stop a gap', where 'gap' refers to a breach or opening in a hedge or wall, and 'stop' means to plug or close it. Originally used in the 17th century to describe temporary physical repairs, it evolved metaphorically to describe any temporary substitute or solution designed to fill a deficiency until a permanent measure can be put in place.
Imagine trying to **STOP** a **GAP** in a leaking dam with your bare hands temporarily until engineers arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About “stopgap”
1. What is the meaning of “stopgap” in English?
In English, stopgap (noun) is defined as: “A temporary way of dealing with a problem or satisfying a need until a more permanent solution is available.”.
2. How do you use “stopgap” in a sentence?
“The temporary shelter was just a stopgap for the displaced families.”
3. What are English synonyms of “stopgap”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “stopgap”?
Derived from the verbal phrase 'stop a gap', where 'gap' refers to a breach or opening in a hedge or wall, and 'stop' means to plug or close it. Originally used in the 17th century to describe temporary physical repairs, it evolved metaphorically to describe any temporary substitute or solution designed to fill a deficiency until a permanent measure can be put in place.
🇮🇳More Hindi Words to English
View all Hindi words →A small adhesive bandage used to cover minor cuts and grazes.
A strip of material used to bind up a wound, strain, or other injury.
An ingenious, resourceful, and makeshift solution to a complex problem, often using unconventional methods or limited materials.
A simple, often traditional, health or beauty treatment prepared at home using common household ingredients rather than professional medical intervention.