contingency
/kənˈtɪn.dʒən.si/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
A possible event or situation that may happen in the future, especially one that is uncertain. It is often something you plan for or prepare for.
- We have a contingency for bad weather.
- The team made contingency plans.
- 2.
A condition in a plan, agreement, or law that depends on something else happening. If the condition happens, the plan changes or takes effect.
- Payment is subject to a contingency.
- The deal includes several contingencies.
Adinary Nuance
A contingency is not the same as a possibility, which is broader and more general. It also differs from a risk: a risk is usually something bad, while a contingency can be any uncertain future event. In business and academic English, contingency often means a planned backup condition or backup plan.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tình huống dự phòng
- Spanish
- eventualidad
- Chinese
- 应急情况
- Japanese
- 不測の事態
- Korean
- 비상 상황
Etymology
Contingency comes from Late Latin contingentia, from contingere meaning “to happen” or “touch.” It entered English in the 15th century.
Common phrases
contingency planin contingency planningcontingency fundcontingency measures
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is contingency formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal. You often see it in business, government, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between contingency and possibility?
- A contingency is a future event you expect and prepare for. A possibility is just something that may happen.
- How do I use contingency in a sentence?
- Use it for planned backups or uncertain future conditions, like “We have a contingency plan.”
- Is contingency common in IELTS writing?
- Yes, it is useful in formal writing about planning, risk, and future events.