noun
Uncommon
contingency
kuhn-TIHND-zhuhn-see
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.”
noun
1
An event or circumstance that might happen but is not certain; a possible future situation planned for in advance.
"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.
Common pairings
contingency plan
contingency fund
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like contingency.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- contingencies
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
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for contingency
agency
latency
urgency
potency
decency
regency
currency
tendency
clemency
leniency
frequency
emergency
See all 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.
