What does stopgap mean?
A stopgap is a temporary measure, arrangement, or person that fills a role or solves a problem until a more permanent or satisfactory solution becomes available. The word is especially common in business, politics, administration, and news reporting, where it distinguishes an interim response from a lasting solution. A stopgap measure may keep services functioning, bridge a shortage, or prevent a situation from worsening, but it does not ordinarily address the underlying problem permanently. A person can also be described as a stopgap, particularly when they occupy a position temporarily between two longer-term arrangements. The related adjective use is frequent in expressions such as “stopgap funding” and “stopgap solution.” Although the word can sometimes suggest improvisation or an inadequate expedient, its standard meaning is neutral: it emphasizes temporary status rather than necessarily poor quality. It is therefore useful when discussing proposals, policies, appointments, or repairs that are intended to last only until another solution can be implemented.
A temporary measure, arrangement, or person used until a more permanent or satisfactory solution is available.
"The emergency contract served only as a stopgap until the new system was operational."
Common in formal and professional contexts. It can denote either a temporary solution or a person serving temporarily in a role.
Existing only as a temporary measure or arrangement.
"The government introduced a stopgap program while it considered a comprehensive reform."
Usually used attributively, especially in the established phrase “stopgap measure.”
The standard plural of the noun, used for multiple temporary measures, arrangements, or people.
"The committee rejected a series of stopgaps and called for a permanent solution."
A stopgap is what keeps a system running when the real fix is still on the way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stopgap come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century by combining “stop” and “gap,” originally referring to something that temporarily fills or closes a gap. “Gap” comes from Old Norse and continues in English with related forms such as “gape” and “gaping.” The compound developed into its modern figurative sense of an interim measure or substitute. Its cognate and related forms share the older root associated with an opening or space, while “stop” contributes the idea of blocking or filling that opening.
Related word forms
How stopgap is actually used
The word is common in formal and professional contexts, especially in business, politics, and administration. It usually implies that the arrangement is adequate only for a limited time. As an attributive adjective, it commonly occurs in phrases such as “stopgap measure” and “stopgap solution.”