contingency
n. countable C1 Advanced US //kənˈtɪndʒənsi// UK //kəntˈɪndʒənsi// con·tin·gen·cy
n. a possible future event or situation that you cannot be sure will happen. You plan for a contingency so you are ready if things change.
n. an uncertain future event or state of affairs that requires advance planning or preparation. Often used in the phrase 'in case of emergency' or 'contingency plan'.
We have a backup plan as a contingency.
The company kept extra cash as a contingency against sudden market drops.
Diplomats drafted a detailed contingency strategy to manage the crisis should negotiations collapse entirely.
From contingent + -cy (16th century).