What does "contingent" mean?

1. (dependent on something) happening only if something else happens first. 2. (uncertain or possible) describing something that might happen but is not certain. 3. (a representative group) a group of people who represent a larger organization or country. 4. (an unexpected event) an event that might happen in the future, especially one that causes problems.

How do you use "contingent"?

Usually followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon'. In modern usage, 'contingency' is more common for this sense.

contingent

adj. · n.

US //kənˈtɪndʒənt// UK //kəntˈɪndʒənt// con·tin·gent

1 dependent on something (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal Academic

happening only if something else happens first.

dependent on or conditioned by something else; occurring only if certain circumstances are met.

Example

The sale of the house is contingent on the buyer getting a bank loan.

Example

The success of the merger is contingent upon the board's approval of the revised financial projections by the end of the quarter.

Usage

Usually followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.
- conditional
- dependent
- unconditional
- certain
2 uncertain or possible (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Academic Technical

describing something that might happen but is not certain.

referring to an event that is possible but not guaranteed to occur; not logically necessary.

Example

We need to plan for contingent risks that might affect our travel.

Example

The philosopher argued that human existence is a contingent fact rather than a logical necessity.
- possible
- chance
- inevitable
- necessary

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3 a representative group (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a group of people who represent a larger organization or country.

a gathering of persons representative of some larger group; often used for military units or political delegations.

Example

The French contingent at the conference was the largest one there.

Example

The largest contingent of peacekeepers was deployed to the border region to monitor the ceasefire agreement.
4 an unexpected event (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Technical

an event that might happen in the future, especially one that causes problems.

an incidental event or circumstance that is unforeseen or dependent on chance.

Example

The budget includes a small amount of money for any unexpected contingent.

Example

The legal team prepared for every possible contingent that might arise during the cross-examination of the lead witness.

Usage

In modern usage, 'contingency' is more common for this sense.
- contingency
- possibility

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French contingent, from Medieval Latin contingens (“possible, contingent”), present participle of contingere (“to touch, meet, attain to, happen”), from com- (“together”) + tangere (“to touch”).