contingency
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for contingency, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An event or circumstance that might happen but is not certain; a possible future situation planned for in advance.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use contingency
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
contingency plan
contingency fund
Etymology
From contingent + the noun-forming suffix -y, tracing back to Latin contingere ("to happen, to touch upon").
Full origin of contingency →Frequently asked questions
What does “contingency” mean?
The word “contingency” means an event or circumstance that might happen but is not certain; a possible future situation planned for in advance. In plain terms, a possible future event that you prepare for just in case it happens.
How do you pronounce “contingency”?
“Contingency” is pronounced kuhn-TIHND-zhuhn-see (/kənˈtɪnd͡ʒənsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “contingency” in a sentence?
Here is “contingency” used in a sentence: “The company has a contingency plan in case the main supplier falls through.”
What is the opposite of “contingency”?
The opposite of “contingency” — its antonyms — is noncontingency.
What part of speech is “contingency”?
“Contingency” is a noun.
Where does the word “contingency” come from?
The word “contingency” comes from Latin. From contingent + the noun-forming suffix -y, tracing back to Latin contingere ("to happen, to touch upon").
Is “contingency” a common word?
“Contingency” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Related words
contingency cost
contingency plan
contingency table
