Contingency - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT contingency /kənˈtɪndʒənsi/ /kənˈtɪndʒɪnsi/ IPA guide

Other forms: contingencies

If you plan to walk home if the weather is nice, but bring subway fare just in case, then taking the subway is your contingency plan. A contingency is an event you can't be sure will happen or not.

The noun contingency describes something that might or might not happen. We use it to describe an event or situation that is a possible outcome but one that's impossible to predict with certainty. A company might have a contingency plan for what to do if something goes wrong with their primary strategy, also known as "plan B." They might even have plans C, D, and E, to prepare for multiple contingencies.

Definitions of contingency

noun the state of being contingent on something see moresee less type of: dependance, dependence, dependency the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
noun a possible event or occurrence or result synonyms: contingence, eventuality see moresee less type of: happening, natural event, occurrence, occurrent an event that happens

Pronunciation US /kənˈtɪndʒənsi/ UK /kənˈtɪndʒɪnsi/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘contingency'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing contingency

Unwind Neal Shusterman

In this dystopian novel, sixteen-year-old Connor has been slated to be "unwound" and have his organs donated — until he runs away and joins up with two other fugitive teenagers.

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