contingency
noun/kənˈtɪnd͡ʒənsi/
Etymology From contingence + -y (16th century).
1
The quality of being contingent, of happening by chance.
2
A possibility; something which may or may not happen. A chance occurrence, especially in finance, unexpected expenses.
- There was also the imperative necessity of creating a reserve fund for unforeseen contingencies, and the question ever present was how was money to be found.1909, John Claude White, Sikhim and Bhutan, page 29:
- In light of the inherent survival threat posed by zombies and absent specified guidance for detailed planning to address such a contingency, USSTRATCOM has taken the initiative to develop a JOPES Level 3 plan (CONPLAN) consistent with guidance derived from other specified planning efforts to ensure U.S. and Allied freedom of action from zombie domination.2011 April 30, United States Strategic Command, CONPLAN 8888-11 "COUNTER-ZOMBIE DOMINANCE" (PDF), archived from the original on 15 Mar 2023, SITUATION:
4
Human sciences, Logic, Mathematics, Philosophy, Sciences A statement which is neither a tautology nor a contradiction.
- Antonyms
- noncontingency
- Related terms
- contingency cost, contingency plan, contingency table