adj
contingent
kuhn-TIHN-juhnt
adj
1
Dependent on something else that is uncertain; conditional.
"Her promotion is contingent on the project's success."
noun
1
A group representing a larger body, such as troops or delegates sent to an event.
"A large contingent of protesters gathered outside the courthouse."
How to Use Contingent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "dependent on something uncertain" (adjective) or "a group sent to represent a larger whole" (noun).
Common pairings
contingent on
a large contingent
Word Forms
more contingent comparative, contingents plural, most contingent superlative
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Her promotion is _____ on the project's success.
Etymology
From Old French contingent, from Medieval Latin contingens, "possible," the present participle of contingere ("to touch, to happen") — com- ("together") + tangere ("to touch").