Meaning & use
interim measure
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
A temporary action taken to deal with a situation until a permanent solution is possible.
Grammar: Often used in the plural: interim measures.
Patterns
- as an interim measure
- take interim measures
- introduce interim measures
The government introduced an interim measure to control prices until new laws could be passed.
As an interim measure, the company hired temporary staff while searching for permanent employees.
The court ordered interim measures to protect the evidence.
Word forms
| plural | interim measures |
|---|
Common combinations
- as an interim measure
- As an interim measure, we are using the old software until the new system is ready.
- take interim measures
- The city took interim measures to reduce traffic during the bridge repairs.
- introduce interim measures
- The school introduced interim measures to improve safety.
Synonyms and how they differ
- stopgap
- More informal and often implies a quick fix; interim measure is more formal.
- temporary solution
- Similar but broader; interim measure often suggests an official or planned step.
Opposites
Word family
- interim adjective
- Temporary; intended to last only until something permanent is arranged.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'interim measure' correctly?
Choose one answer.
An interim measure is temporary. Option 2 fits because it is used until a permanent solution is ready. The others suggest permanence, which contradicts the meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “interim measure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.