Contingency Meaning
/kənˈtɪnd͡ʒənsi/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe quality of being contingent, of happening by chance.
nounA possibility; something which may or may not happen. A chance occurrence, especially in finance, unexpected expenses.
Sentence Examples
There is neither contingency nor free will.
We're working on a contingency plan.
Do you have a contingency plan in place?
CEFR Practice Quiz
We created a ____ plan in case the main power fails.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There is neither ____ nor free will.
Word Origin & History
From contingence + -y (16th century).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"There was also the imperative necessity of creating a reserve fund for unforeseen contingencies, and the question ever present was how was money to be found."
— 1909, John Claude White, Sikhim and Bhutan, page 29:
"In light of the inherent survival threat posed by zombies and absent specified guidance for detailed planning to address such a contingency, USSTRATCOM has taken the initiative to develop a JOPES Level 3 plan (CONPLAN) consistent with guidance derived from other specified planning efforts to ensure U.S. and Allied freedom of action from zombie domination."
— 2011 April 30, United States Strategic Command, CONPLAN 8888-11 "COUNTER-ZOMBIE DOMINANCE" (PDF), archived from the original on 15 Mar 2023, SITUATION:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
We created a ____ plan in case the main power fails.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There is neither ____ nor free will.