contingent

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/kənˈtɪndʒənt/
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A person or thing that exists only if certain other conditions are met.

Examples

  • She considered the contingent likelihood of getting the job.
  • Our company faces a contingent risk if the market drops.
  • The loan approval is contingent on a satisfactory credit check.
  • A contingent of French engineers arrived for the summit.
  • The parade featured a contingent of marching bands.

Similar words

eventuality
uncertainty
possibility
brigade
unit
battalion
odds
provisional
conditional
prospect

Meanings

Dependent on something else

adjective
everyday
neutral
Being dependent on or conditioned by something else, so that it will happen only if that other thing occurs.

Examples

  • The outdoor concert is contingent on a clear sky.
  • Our travel plans are contingent upon the train schedule.
  • Her acceptance of the job offer is contingent on a higher salary.
  • The success of the project is contingent on teamwork.
  • The scholarship is contingent upon maintaining a 3.5 GPA.
  • His invitation to the party is contingent on arriving before midnight.
  • The loan approval is contingent on a satisfactory credit check.

Similar words

Group of people representing an organization

noun
military
neutral
A body of people sent as a unit, often from a country or organization, to take part in an event or mission.

Examples

  • A contingent of French engineers arrived for the summit.
  • The UN sent a contingent to assist after the earthquake.
  • Our country contributed a contingent of medical staff to the mission.
  • The parade featured a contingent of marching bands.
  • A small contingent of volunteers helped set up the event.
  • The embassy organized a contingent of diplomats for the conference.
  • During the ceremony, a contingent of soldiers stood at attention.

Similar words

Possible liability

noun
business
formal
A potential financial obligation that may arise depending on the outcome of a future event.

Examples

  • The contract includes a contingent liability for environmental cleanup.
  • Investors worry about the contingent obligations tied to the merger.
  • The bank requires a contingent guarantee before approving the loan.
  • Our company faces a contingent risk if the market drops.
  • The partnership agreement lists several contingent responsibilities.
  • A contingent expense may arise if the project overruns its budget.
  • Shareholders are aware of the contingent debts that could be triggered.

Similar words

Possible but not certain event

noun
logic
formal
A situation or outcome that could occur but is not guaranteed, used especially in logic to describe statements that are neither necessary nor impossible.

Examples

  • In modal logic, a contingent statement can be true in some worlds and false in others.
  • The philosopher argued that the proposition is contingent, not necessary.
  • A contingent outcome depends on the truth of its premises.
  • The theorem shows that the claim is contingent, not impossible.
  • When evaluating the argument, we treat the premise as contingent.
  • The logic textbook defines a contingent formula as one that may be true or false.
  • A contingent scenario allows for multiple possible conclusions.

Similar words

Possible event

noun
everyday
neutral
An event that may happen but is not certain.

Examples

  • There's a contingent chance that it will snow tomorrow.
  • We should prepare for a contingent outcome in the election.
  • A contingent event could change our travel plans.
  • The forecast mentions a contingent possibility of rain.
  • She considered the contingent likelihood of getting the job.
  • The team discussed the contingent odds of winning the championship.
  • His comment hinted at a contingent prospect for future collaboration.

Similar words

Etymology

Late Middle English (c. 1350-1400), borrowed from Middle French contingent, which derives from Latin contingēns, the present participle of contingere ‘to touch together’.

FAQ

What does contingent mean?

It refers to a person or thing that exists only if certain other conditions are met.

How is contingent used as an adjective?

It describes something that is dependent on or conditioned by something else, so it will happen only if that other thing occurs.

What does contingent mean in a military context?

It is a body of people sent as a unit, often from a country or organization, to take part in an event or mission.

What does contingent mean in business or finance?

It denotes a potential obligation that may arise depending on the outcome of a future event.

Where does the word contingent come from?

It entered Late Middle English from Middle French contingent, which comes from Latin contingēns, the present participle of contingere meaning ‘to touch together’.

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