noun

contingency

/kənˈtɪndʒənsi/ · say it: kuhn·TIN·juhn·see

a possible future event to plan for

In more detail

1. (noun) a possible event or situation that might happen in the future, especially one that is unexpected or difficult to prepare for

2. (noun) something that depends on or is determined by another event or condition

Examples

1. The emergency plan included contingencies for various disasters.
2. The job offer was contingent on passing a background check.

How to use contingency

Contingency refers to an event that might or might not occur, or something dependent on another condition. It is commonly used in planning contexts (contingency plan, contingency fund) to refer to provisions made for unexpected situations. The word is more formal and strategic than the simpler 'possibility,' and carries the implication of preparedness or risk management.

Common phrases

contingency plan
contingency fund
in contingency
contingency measures
contingency table

Synonyms

eventuality · possibility · circumstance · uncertainty · likelihood

Opposites

certainty · inevitability

Word family

contingent (adjective) · contingently (adverb) · contingency (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse contingency with emergency; a contingency is something you prepare for beforehand, whereas an emergency is an unforeseen crisis requiring immediate action.

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