contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

CONTINGENCY definition: dependence on chance or on the fulfillment of a condition; uncertainty; fortuitousness. See examples of contingency used in a sentence.

CONTINGENCY definition: 1. something that might possibly happen in the future, usually causing problems or making further…. Learn more.

Definition of contingency noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. an event that may or may not happen; the fact that events are not certain synonym possibility. We must consider …

Jan 8, 2026 · contingency (countable and uncountable, plural contingencies) (uncountable) The quality of being contingent, of happening by chance. [from 1560s]

Due to the uncertainty of the situation, contingencies require plans, rapid response, and special procedures to ensure the safety and readiness of personnel, installations, and equipment. See …

The noun contingency describes something that might or might not happen. We use it to describe an event or situation that is a possible outcome but one that's impossible to predict with certainty.

Definition of contingency. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

con•tin•gen•cy /kənˈtɪndʒənsi/ n. [countable], pl. -cies. a chance or possibility that might occur: They were prepared with a plan for every contingency.

In making our business plans, we tried to prepare for any contingency that might hurt sales.