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Is there a synonym of "makeshift", but for humans?

I am thinking that the word "makeshift" only applies to object, but not living things, so I am wondering if you know any good adjective or phrase that can be used instead of it.

I could work as a makeshift Linux administrator, but not a fully-fledged administrator.

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  • Maybe you are ready to purchase a thesaurus.
    – Ben Kovitz
    Oct 7, 2019 at 2:18
  • Even if not ready to purchase, it's free at thesaurus.com/browse/makeshift?s=t
    – Lorel C.
    Oct 7, 2019 at 2:36
  • Unlike the web site, the original format of Roget's Thesaurus (as in the first link above) organizes the articles in a way that's suitable for browsing, so you can begin with a rough idea of your meaning, even if you can't think of a near-synonym, and gradually get closer to your meaning as you flip through the pages. It's a nice way to survey the language. Either way, though, I think you'd find stand-in, which I expect is probably the best choice here.
    – Ben Kovitz
    Oct 7, 2019 at 4:46

1 Answer 1

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"Makeshift" doesn't apply to people, since you don't bodge them together. I think you mean some sort of inferior substitute, like:

I could work as a stand-in Linux administrator, but not a fully-fledged administrator

or

I could work as a backup Linux administrator, but not a fully-fledged administrator

or

I could work as a temporary Linux administrator, but not a fully-fledged administrator

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