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Contingency

kun-TIN-jen-see /kənˈtɪndʒənsi/

nounC1GREGMAT

formal

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

Emphasizes the uncertain nature of future events and the need for planning to address them. Often used in 'contingency plan' or 'contingency fund.'

The story behind the word. The word 'contingency' comes from the Latin contingentia, meaning 'a happening, an event,' which is derived from contingere, 'to touch, to happen.' This Latin root is also the source of 'contact.' It entered English in the 16th century, referring to the quality of being dependent on chance. The sense of an unforeseen event or a provision for such an event developed later, emphasizing the 'what if' aspect of future possibilities.

Word relationships

Possibility: The state or fact of being likely or able to happen or exist; 'contingency' often implies a negative or problematic possibility that requires planning.
Eventuality: A possible event or outcome.
Unforeseen event: A descriptive phrase for what a contingency often is.

Certainty: A fact that is definitely true or an event that is definitely going to happen.
Inevitability: The quality of being unavoidable.

Commonly confused with

Emergency: An 'emergency' is an urgent, unexpected, and usually dangerous situation requiring immediate action. A 'contingency' is a potential emergency or unforeseen event that you plan for before it happens.

Word family

Contingent (adjective): Subject to chance; dependent on or conditioned by something else.

Collocations

contingency plan
contingency fund
contingency measures
contingency reserve
contingency budget

Example sentences

"The company created a contingency plan to address potential supply chain disruptions during the pandemic." Business planning
"It is prudent to maintain a contingency fund to cover unexpected expenses like medical emergencies or job loss." Personal finance
"We allocated extra budget for contingencies, knowing that unforeseen problems often arise in large projects." Project management

Memory hook

Think of a 'CON TIN' (like a container) for emergencies. A CONTINGENCY is a plan or fund kept in a 'con tin' for unexpected events. CON TIN for emergencies.

When not to use

Do not use 'contingency' for events that are certain to happen or for situations that are already occurring. It refers to potential, uncertain future events.

Fun facts

In philosophy, 'contingency' refers to the idea that something could have been otherwise, as opposed to necessity.