Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Contingent: meaning, definitions and examples

👥
Add to dictionary

contingent

 

[ kənˈtɪndʒənt ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

in a group

a group of people united by a common feature, forming part of a larger group

Synonyms

delegation, group, team.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
contingent

Typically used to describe a group of people representing a larger organization or country, especially in formal or official contexts.

  • A large contingent from the United Nations attended the conference.
  • The country's Olympic contingent performed exceptionally well this year.
group

A very general term that can be used to describe any collection of individuals, with no specific connotations about the nature of their association.

  • A group of friends met up for dinner last night.
  • The study was conducted with a group of volunteers.
delegation

Often used to refer to a group of people chosen to represent others, usually in diplomatic, political, or business settings.

  • The trade delegation will be visiting several Asian countries next month.
  • A delegation of diplomats was sent to negotiate peace talks.
team

Specifically refers to a group of people working together towards a common goal, often in work, sports, or project-related contexts.

  • The project team is working hard to meet the deadline.
  • His basketball team won the championship last year.

Examples of usage

  • The American contingent at the conference was the largest.
  • She was part of the medical contingent providing aid in the disaster-stricken area.
Context #2 | Adjective

dependent on something else

subject to change based on certain conditions or circumstances

Synonyms

conditional, dependent, subject to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
contingent

This word is used when something relies on certain conditions or events happening first. It is often used in formal or legal contexts.

  • The success of the project is contingent on receiving additional funding
  • Attendance at the event is contingent upon registering beforehand
dependent

This term is used when something is directly influenced by another factor. It can be used in everyday conversations, academic, and technical discussions.

  • Her decision to move is dependent on whether she gets the new job
  • The amount of rain is dependent on the season
conditional

Use 'conditional' when you need to state that something will only happen if certain conditions are met. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's common in technical or contractual language.

  • Her acceptance into the program is conditional on passing the entrance exam
  • The offer is conditional upon a satisfactory background check
subject to

This phrase is used when something is likely to be affected by certain conditions or when it is under the authority or control of something else. It is often used in formal, legal, or business settings.

  • These terms are subject to change without notice
  • All employees are subject to background checks

Examples of usage

  • His promotion was contingent on the successful completion of the project.
  • The success of the event was contingent on good weather.

Translations

Translations of the word "contingent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contingente

🇮🇳 सशर्त

🇩🇪 kontingent

🇮🇩 kontingen

🇺🇦 контингент

🇵🇱 kontyngent

🇯🇵 偶然的

🇫🇷 contingent

🇪🇸 contingente

🇹🇷 koşullu

🇰🇷 우발적

🇸🇦 مشروط

🇨🇿 kontingent

🇸🇰 kontingent

🇨🇳 或有

🇸🇮 kontingent

🇮🇸 skilyrt

🇰🇿 шартты

🇬🇪 პირობითი

🇦🇿 şərtli

🇲🇽 contingente

Etymology

The word 'contingent' originated from the Latin word 'contingentem', meaning 'happening by chance'. It was first used in the 14th century to describe something dependent on certain conditions or circumstances. Over time, the word evolved to also refer to a group of people united by a common feature. The concept of contingency has been explored in philosophy, economics, and other disciplines.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,456 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.