half-measure

noun

An inadequate or incomplete solution to a problem.

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Meanings

nounhalf-measure (plural half-measures)

plural half-measures · alternative half measure

  1. An inadequate or incomplete solution to a problem.

    Science and philosophy must proceed by half-measures.

    2011, Andrew Solomon, The Noonday Demon: An Atlas Of Depression, page 38
    3 more examples

    There is much stronger evidence that the title is a ruse, luring the viewer in by half measures.

    2006, Gary Kibbins, Andrew J. Paterson, Grammar & Not-grammar: Selected Scripts and Essays

    As Mendicant stated in its report [58,078:H 48:M 12:S ago]: half measures will not suffice.

    2007 September 25, Bungie, Halo 3, Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox 360, level/area: Terminal Six (Legendary)

    The United States and United Nations responded to rough experiences by remaining mired in indecision and hamstrung by half-measures (Bosnia to 1995), facing failure and bailing out (Somalia), acting only after a long period of limited and misdirected pressure (Haiti), or holding back from action where more awesome disaster than anywhere else called for it (Rwanda).

    2011, Richard K. Betts, American Force, page 61

Translations

Finnish puolinainen toimenpide, puolinainen ratkaisu
  • puolinainen toimenpideTranslations
  • puolinainen ratkaisuTranslations
French demi-mesure
  • demi-mesureTranslations
Polish półśrodek
  • półśrodekTranslations
Romanian jumătate de măsură
  • jumătate de măsurăTranslations
Russian полуме́ра
  • полуме́ра (poluméra)Translations
Spanish medias tintas, paños calientes
  • medias tintasTranslations
  • paños calientesTranslations
Swedish halvmesyr
  • halvmesyrTranslations
Cite this entry
APA

half-measure. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/half-measure

MLA

“half-measure.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/half-measure. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “half-measure,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/half-measure.

Source: half-measure on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.