Contingency: meaning, definitions and examples
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contingency
[ kənˈtɪndʒənsi ]
emergency planning
A future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. Contingencies are often accounted for in emergency planning to ensure preparedness for unexpected situations.
Synonyms
eventuality, possibility, uncertainty.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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contingency |
Used in planning and risk management to refer to an event that might happen in the future, especially something that could cause problems.
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possibility |
Denotes something that might happen or might be true, often used in a general sense without implying probability or uncertainty.
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eventuality |
Refers to any possible event or outcome, often implying something that one should be prepared for.
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uncertainty |
Indicates the state of being uncertain or not having knowledge about future events, often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- In case of a contingency like a natural disaster, the emergency response team is well-prepared.
- The company has a contingency plan in place to deal with unexpected financial crises.
law
A provision for an unforeseen event or circumstance in a legal contract, agreement, or plan. Contingencies in legal documents serve to address potential complications or changes in circumstances.
Synonyms
clause, provision, stipulation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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contingency |
Used to refer to something that may happen in the future, especially an unexpected event or circumstance. Often used in risk management and planning.
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stipulation |
Used to refer to a condition explicitly stated within an agreement or document, often seen as a mandatory requirement that must be fulfilled.
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clause |
Used to describe a specific provision or section within a legal document, contract, or agreement. It specifies particular details and conditions.
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provision |
Used to describe a condition or requirement included in a legal document, often specifying the actions to be taken or the supplies available for particular needs.
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Examples of usage
- The contract includes contingencies for any delays in delivery of the goods.
- The agreement has specific contingencies to handle changes in market conditions.
statistics
A variable or event that is dependent on the occurrence of one or more other variables or events. In statistical analysis, contingencies are taken into account to assess relationships and dependencies.
Synonyms
association, correlation, dependency.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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contingency |
Use in situations where there is a possible outcome that might happen, depending on a certain condition or event. Often used in planning and risk management.
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dependency |
Used to describe a situation where something or someone relies on another for support or existence. Often has a negative connotation when it suggests an unhealthy or excessive reliance.
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correlation |
Appropriate when describing a statistical relationship between two or more variables, where a change in one variable is related to a change in another.
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association |
Used when referring to a connection or relationship between people, organizations, or ideas. It can also imply a formal group formed for a common purpose.
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Examples of usage
- The study considered contingencies between income levels and spending habits.
- Researchers analyzed the contingencies in the data to identify patterns.
Translations
Translations of the word "contingency" in other languages:
🇵🇹 contingência
🇮🇳 आपातकाल
🇩🇪 Eventualität
🇮🇩 kontingensi
🇺🇦 непередбачена обставина
🇵🇱 ewentualność
🇯🇵 偶発事
🇫🇷 contingence
🇪🇸 contingencia
🇹🇷 olay
🇰🇷 우발 사건
🇸🇦 طارئ
🇨🇿 možnost
🇸🇰 možnosť
🇨🇳 意外事件
🇸🇮 nepredviden dogodek
🇮🇸 ófyrirséð atvik
🇰🇿 тосын жағдай
🇬🇪 გაუთვალისწინებელი შემთხვევა
🇦🇿 ehtimal
🇲🇽 contingencia
Etymology
The word 'contingency' originated from the Latin word 'contingere', which means 'to touch or fall to one's lot'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century with the general sense of 'dependence on circumstances or events not within one's control'. Over time, 'contingency' evolved to encompass the concept of uncertainty and unforeseen events. The term is widely used in various fields such as emergency planning, law, and statistics to refer to possible but unpredictable situations.
Word Frequency Rank
Position #7,975 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
- ...
- 7972 withholding
- 7973 necessities
- 7974 revise
- 7975 contingency
- 7976 eternity
- 7977 amusing
- 7978 meanwhile
- ...