conditional
kuhn-DIHSH-uh-nuhl
Conditional (adjective) means depending on something else being true or happening first. Example: “The job offer is conditional on passing a background check.”
adjective
1
Depending on something else being true or happening first.
"The job offer is conditional on passing a background check."
"Our trip is conditional on the weather being fine that weekend."
"She gave me conditional approval, as long as I finished my homework first."
noun
1
In grammar, a sentence or verb form expressing something that depends on a condition.
""If it rains, I will stay home" is an example of a conditional sentence."
"Today we are studying the second conditional in our English class."
"The teacher asked us to write three examples of a conditional using "unless"."
How to use conditional
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDependent on a condition being met — or, in grammar, a sentence built around an "if."
Common pairings
conditional offer
conditional on
conditional sentence
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Word forms
- Plural
- conditionals
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The job offer is _____ on passing a background check.
Etymology
From French conditionnel, from condition plus -al.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for conditional
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
emotional
See all rhymes for conditional →
Frequently asked questions
What does “conditional” mean?
The word “conditional” means depending on something else being true or happening first. In plain terms, dependent on a condition being met — or, in grammar, a sentence built around an "if.".
How do you pronounce “conditional”?
“Conditional” is pronounced kuhn-DIHSH-uh-nuhl (/kənˈdɪʃ.ə.nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “conditional” in a sentence?
Here is “conditional” used in a sentence: “The job offer is conditional on passing a background check.”
What is another word for “conditional”?
Words with a similar meaning to “conditional” include conditioned, in logic, limited, relative, contingent and qualified.
What is the opposite of “conditional”?
The opposite of “conditional” — its antonyms — are absolute, categorical, unconditional, unfettered and unlimited.
What part of speech is “conditional”?
Depending on how it is used, “conditional” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “conditional” come from?
The word “conditional” comes from French. From French conditionnel, from condition plus -al.
Is “conditional” a common word?
“Conditional” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between "conditional" and "unconditional"?
Something "conditional" depends on something else being true or happening first, while something "unconditional" applies regardless of any conditions or requirements. An unconditional offer stands no matter what happens, whereas a conditional offer only takes effect if a specified condition is met.
What is the conditional tense in grammar?
In grammar, the conditional is a sentence or verb form expressing something that depends on a condition, typically using structures like "if X, then Y would happen." English commonly forms it with "would" plus a base verb, as in "I would go if it stopped raining."
What is the difference between "conditional" and "contingent"?
"Conditional" and "contingent" both describe something that depends on another event or circumstance, and they are close synonyms. "Contingent" is somewhat more common in formal or legal writing, such as a contingent offer on a house sale, while "conditional" is used more broadly across everyday and grammatical contexts.
