English vocabulary · C1
Contingency
/kənˈtɪndʒənsi/ · n.
A contingency is something that might happen and change your plans. It may never happen, but you get ready in case things go wrong.
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Example sentences
- We planned for a rain contingency.
- Keep cash for a flight contingency.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — together (from Latin)
- ting — touch (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- CHANCE — something that may happen (Not certain)
- RISK — a chance of trouble (Possible trouble)
- EVENT — a thing that happens (Something happens)
Words with the same root
ting — touch
- contingent — depends on something else
Lesson notes
A contingency is something that might happen and change your plans. It may never happen, but you get ready in case things go wrong.
Related: chance, risk, event. Use contingency when plans may change.
We planned for a rain contingency. Keep cash for a flight contingency.
From Latin. Con- means together. Ting- means touch. Roads touch together; a storm brings a contingency.