contingency

Contingency means something that could happen or come up depending on other occurrences.

(noun)

An example of a contingency is the unexpected need for a bandage on a hike.

The definition of a contingency is something that depends on something else in order to happen.

(noun)

An example of contingency is a military strategy that can’t go forward until an earlier piece of the war plan is complete.

See contingency in Webster's New World College Dictionary

the quality or condition of being contingent; esp., dependence on chance or uncertain conditions
something whose occurrence depends on chance or uncertain conditions; a possible, unforeseen, or accidental occurrence: be prepared for any contingency
some thing or event which depends on or is incidental to another: the contingencies of war

Origin: see contingence

See contingency in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. con·tin·gen·cies

a. An event that may occur but that is not likely or intended; a possibility.
b. A possibility that must be prepared for; a future emergency.
The condition of being dependent on chance; uncertainty.
Something incidental to something else.

Related Forms: