contingency
kuhn-TIN-juhn-see
/kənˈtɪndʒənsi/
A future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty; the quality of existing without ultimate necessity.
In metaphysics, contingency implies that things could easily have been otherwise; existence is not guaranteed by necessity.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin contingere, meaning 'to touch closely or happen by chance'. It carries the idea of circumstances touching upon one another unexpectedly without an overarching design.
Word relationships
- uncertainty: Uncertainty describes human ignorance; contingency describes the fundamental non-necessity of an event.
- necessity: The state of being bound to happen or exist by fundamental law.
Commonly confused with
- dependency: Dependency is relying on something; contingency implies reliance on uncertain conditions.
Word family
- contingent (adjective): Dependent on uncertain events or conditions.
Collocations
- radical contingency
- contingency plan
- prepare for contingency
- underlying contingency
Idioms & expressions
- subject to contingency
Example sentences
- "Existentialists highlight the contingency of life, arguing that human existence is an accidental fact rather than a planned event." Metaphysics
- "The project leader prepared a thorough contingency plan in case of financial delays." Business planning
Memory hook
CONTINGENCY depends on what may TOUCH or happen next. Happening by uncertain touch.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'contingency plan' (a backup) when discussing philosophical existence.
Fun facts
- In modern risk analysis, contingency budgets are set aside specifically for unpredicted events.
Related words
Explore more words
contingent, unforeseen, fate, prospect, precaution, anticipate
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