A contingency is something that might happen in the future.
[formal]
I need to examine all possible contingencies.
Synonyms: possibility, happening, chance, event More Synonyms of contingency
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
A contingency plan or measure is one that is intended to be used if a possible situation actually occurs.
[formal]
We have contingency plans.
contingency in British English
(kənˈtɪndʒənsɪ)
nounWord forms: plural-cies
1.
a.
a possible but not very likely future event or condition; eventuality
b.
(as modifier)
a contingency plan
2.
something dependent on a possible future event
3.
a fact, event, etc, incidental to or dependent on something else
4. (in systemic grammar)
a.
modification of the meaning of a main clause by use of a bound clause introduced by a binder such as if, when, though, or since
Compare adding (sense 3)
b.
(as modifier)
a contingency clause
5. logic
a.
the state of being contingent
b.
a contingent statement
6.
dependence on chance; uncertainty
7. statistics
a.
the degree of association between theoretical and observed common frequencies of two graded or classified variables. It is measured by the chi-square test
b.
(as modifier)
a contingency table
the contingency coefficient
contingency in American English
(kənˈtɪndʒənsi)
nounWord forms: pluralconˈtingencies
1.
the quality or condition of being contingent; esp., dependence on chance or uncertain conditions
2.
something whose occurrence depends on chance or uncertain conditions; a possible, unforeseen, or accidental occurrence
be prepared for any contingency
3.
some thing or event which depends on or is incidental to another
the contingencies of war
SIMILAR WORDS: eˈmergency
Word origin
see contingence
contingency in Insurance
(kəntɪndʒənsi)
Word forms: (plural) contingencies
noun
(Insurance: General)
A contingency is an event or situation that might happen in the future, especially one that could cause problems.
Insurers base their premium rates and their willingness to accept risks partly onthe probability that certain contingencies will or will not occur.
The insurer agrees to pay on behalf of the policyholder for covered losses, up tothe limits purchased, caused by the designated contingencies listed in the policy.
A contingency is an event or situation that might happen in the future, especially one that couldcause problems.
Examples of 'contingency' in a sentence
contingency
No. There would be no contingency plan.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There were multiple contingency plans drawn up by all the big banks to explain what would happen if Greece left the euro.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The FA moved quickly to have a contingency plan in place.
The Sun (2016)
The longer Europe holds out against transition, the earlier the banks must trigger their contingency plans.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
They also look to the future and make contingency plans'There is a direct biological impact of optimism, it reduces inflammation and increase antioxidants.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
As a result, banks are drawing up contingency plans to move parts of their business to the EU.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They should also make contingency plans for the worst outcomes.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Officials refused to comment on contingency planning for possible military action.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This has led some platforms to build contingency funds.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Politics is an activity prey to contingency and chance.
Hirst, Paul After Thatcher (1989)
This contingency planning is something that women often do well.
Harris, Jean Everything You Need to Know for Success in Business (1990)
Another said that it was only a contingency measure.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
More emphasis is expected on stress testing and contingency funding.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It has contingency funds to deal with the present situation.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Her key advice to other new buyers is to build up a contingency fund.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Any extra costs would come out of contingency funding and from other savings.
The Sun (2014)
Credit checks are carried out on all borrowers and there is a contingency fund in case of defaults.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We are looking at what contingency plans we can put in place but we are not discussing that at this stage.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Do they put in contingency clauses?
Christianity Today (2000)
The one remaining route that has the potential to allow these claims to be run is that of the contingency fee system.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This was to include all fees, contingency and some leftover cash for curtains and things.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
And high earners have rushed to make contingency plans with their employers, lawyers and accountants.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Nato foreign ministers will meet in Brussels today to discuss contingency measures should violence flare.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Some retirement housing schemes charge a 1 per cent contingency fee.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The Pentagon has contingency plans to carry on for another two years.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
But many have yet to put contingency measures in place, and are hungry for guidance.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Of course the British government is doing contingency planning for all potential outcomes.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
A good management will always consider what could happen if things are delayed and make contingency plans.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It covers issues such as contingency fees and third-party litigation funding and is expected to have a big impact on the way court cases are conducted.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It also notes that'there is surprising absence of evidence of consumer disquiet about contingency fees '.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Without investment in better contingency measures passengers will remain at the mercy of the transport industry's increasingly risk-averse culture.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
contingency
British English: contingency NOUN
A contingency is something that might happen in the future.
I need to examine all possible contingencies.
American English: contingency
Brazilian Portuguese: contingência
Chinese: 可能发生的事
European Spanish: contingencia
French: éventualité
German: Eventualität
Italian: eventualità
Japanese: 不測事態
Korean: 만일의 사태
European Portuguese: contingência
Latin American Spanish: contingencia
British English: contingency ADJECTIVE
A contingency plan or measure is one that is intended to be used if a possible situation actually occurs.
We have contingency plans.
American English: contingency
Brazilian Portuguese: de contingência
Chinese: 应变的
European Spanish: eventual
French: d'urgenceN
German: Ausweich-
Italian: di emergenza
Japanese: 緊急に備えた
Korean: 만일의 사태에 대비한
European Portuguese: de contingência
Latin American Spanish: eventual
All related terms of 'contingency'
contingency fee
a lawyer's fee that only becomes payable if the case is successful
contingency fund
a sum of money allocated for use in an emergency or to cover unforeseen expenses
contingency plan
a plan to be carried out if a more likely or desired outcome does not happen
contingency table
an array having the frequency of occurrence of certain events in each of a number of samples
contingency planning
planning for future events that seem less likely than others
contingency reserve
a sum of money set aside for use in an emergency or to cover unforeseen expenses
(noun)
Definition
something dependent on a possible future event
I need to provide for all possible contingencies.
Synonyms
possibility
happening
plans to hire freelance reporters to cover the latest happenings
chance
I met him quite by chance.
event
in the wake of recent events in Europe
incident
They have not based it on any incident from the past.
accident
She discovered the problem by accident.
emergency
uncertainty
eventuality
When you go on holiday, try to be prepared for every eventuality.
juncture
We're at a critical juncture.
fortuity
Additional synonyms
in the sense of accident
Definition
an unforeseen event or one without apparent cause
She discovered the problem by accident.
Synonyms
chance,
fortune,
luck,
fate,
hazard,
coincidence,
fluke,
fortuity
in the sense of chance
Definition
the unknown and unpredictable element that causes something to happen in one way rather than another