makeshift / inadequate
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makeshift
Describes something that was done only as a temporary fix, provisionally, or just adequately, often due to a lack of time, material, or resources.
Nach dem Sturm wurde das kaputte Fenster nur notdürftig mit einer Plane abgedeckt.
After the storm, the broken window was only covered with a tarp as a makeshift solution.
The word is made up of 'Not' (emergency situation, lack) and 'dürftig' (poor, inadequate). So it describes something that covers only the bare essentials in a situation of shortage.
Sie lebten in einer dürftigen Hütte ohne Strom und Wasser.
They lived in a poor hut without electricity or water.
'Notdürftig' (makeshift/inadequate) can stand before a noun as an adjective or be used as an adverb describing a verb. As an adverb, it answers the question 'How was something done?'
Das war nur eine notdürftige Lösung des Problems.
That was only a makeshift solution to the problem.
The word is often used with verbs of repairing or providing care/supplies. Typical combinations are 'notdürftig reparieren' (to repair in a makeshift way), 'notdürftig flicken' (to patch up in a makeshift way), 'notdürftig versorgen' (to provide/care for inadequately), or 'notdürftig einrichten' (to furnish/set up provisionally).
Das Zelt war nur notdürftig gegen den Regen geschützt.
The tent had only makeshift protection against the rain.
careful
'sorgfältig' and 'notdürftig' both describe how something is done, but they are clearly opposites. 'sorgfältig' means that someone works precisely, thoroughly, and with attention. 'notdürftig' means that something is done only quickly or as a makeshift fix, so that it is just about enough. 'sorgfältig' fits when quality and accuracy are important. 'notdürftig' is more appropriate when there is little time, material, or money, and the solution is only temporary.
Nach dem Sturm wurde das kaputte Fenster nur notdürftig repariert.
After the storm, the broken window was only repaired as a makeshift fix.
Vor der Abgabe prüfe ich den Bericht sorgfältig.
Before submitting it, I carefully check the report.