1. something added to make up a required weight or amount
2. a person or thing of little importance added merely to fill out a group or meet a requirement
Usage: often derogatory

Examples

• The merchant added a few small stones as makeweight to reach the required pound.
• They included some makeweight items in the package to justify the shipping cost.
• He felt like a makeweight on the committee, invited only to meet the minimum membership requirement.
• The anthology contained several makeweight stories that seemed hastily chosen.
• The team captain worried that the new player was just makeweight to fill the roster.
• She refused to be treated as makeweight in the business deal.