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Contingency: meaning, definitions and examples

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contingency

 

[ kənˈtɪndʒənsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

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.
Context #3 | Noun

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

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

Word origin

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.