An expression meaning 'better than nothing' — something imperfect or insufficient but preferable to having nothing at all.
寒いからといって暖房がないよりマシだ。
Even if it's cold, it's better than having no heating at all.
完璧ではないけれど、代わりがないからそれで我慢するしかない。ないよりマシだ。
It's not perfect, but since there's no alternative we'll have to make do — it's better than nothing.
交通費は会社が一部負担してくれる。ないよりマシだね。
The company will cover part of the travel expenses. That's better than nothing.