contingency
Contingency (noun) means an event or circumstance that might happen but is not certain; a possible future situation planned for in advance. Example: “The company has a contingency plan in case the main supplier falls through.”
How to use contingency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA possible future event that you prepare for just in case it happens.
Word forms
contingencies plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company has a _____ plan in case the main supplier falls through.
Etymology
From contingent + the noun-forming suffix -y, tracing back to Latin contingere ("to happen, to touch upon").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for 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.