Makeweights

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Small, trivial extras added to a scale or total to bring it up to the required amount, often of little real worth
2. Minor additions of little value that are thrown in to fill out a quantity or balance an unequal scale
3. Insignificant things or people included merely to complete a count or weight rather than for any genuine contribution

Etymology: A makeweight is a small addition thrown into a deal, a contest or a calculation to tip the balance, and the word is built from two plain English parts: "make" and "weight". The "weight" here is the old sense of a heavy object used to balance scales, and a makeweight was the extra piece that brought the load up to the required amount. The same logic carries over to people and things that are included mainly to fill a place. A makeweight player is a lesser member of a team added to round out numbers, and a makeweight argument is one thrown in that is not really central to the case. The plural "makeweights" is simply the form used when several such additions are meant, as in a trade where a club throws in a couple of minor players to complete a deal.

Synonyms: filler, padding, stopgap

Antonyms: essential