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contingency

kun-TIN-jen-see /kənˈtɪndʒənsi/

nounC1GMATCATUPSC

businessprofessionalmilitary

A future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty; a provision for such an event.

Often used in the phrase 'contingency plan', it refers to 'Plan B'—what you do if the primary plan fails.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'con' (together) and 'tangere' (to touch). It originally meant 'happening by touching'—the idea that events are connected or 'touch' each other. It evolved to mean something that depends on something else happening first.

Word relationships

proviso: A condition or qualification attached to an agreement.
eventuality: A possible event or outcome, often an unpleasant one.

certainty: A fact that is definitely true or an event that is definitely going to happen.

Commonly confused with

necessity: A necessity is something that must happen; a contingency is something that might happen.

Word family

contingent (adjective): Subject to chance; occurring or existing only if certain circumstances are the case.

Collocations

contingency plan
contingency fund
contingency planning
emergency contingency

Example sentences

"We have added a 10% contingency to the budget to cover any unforeseen expenses during construction." Project Management
"The general insisted on a contingency plan in case the bridge was destroyed before the troops arrived." Military Strategy

Memory hook

Think of 'Continue-if-G-happens': the plan only continues if a specific 'G' (event) occurs. A contingency is a 'Plan B' for a 'maybe'.

When not to use

Do not use it to mean a 'certainty'; it always implies a 'maybe'.

Fun facts

In law, a 'contingency fee' means the lawyer only gets paid if they win the case.
The 'Contingency Theory' of leadership suggests that there is no single best way to lead; it depends on the situation.