work-around

noun

ˈwərk-ə-ˌrau̇nd 

: a plan or method to circumvent a problem (as in computer software) without eliminating it

Examples of work-around in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

No more managing work-arounds from disparate datasets initiated by hand that are the result of legacy rails and ledgering systems still running on COBOL mainframes from the 1970s. — Brett Turner, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Its closure by Iran produced the world’s biggest ever oil shock, but the markets scrambled to find work-arounds that helped soften the blow. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Unfortunately, fans of Chinese running shoes might need to keep using these kinds of work-arounds. — Scott Douglas, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Simmons called this a work-around for the sheriff to not have to take responsibility for the death. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for work-around

• aboveground
• battleground
• belowground
• paperbound
• turnaround
• ultrasound
• underground
• wraparound
• abound
• aground
• around
• astound