What contingent means Meaning and Definition
What contingent means
Pronunciation
/kənˈtɪnʒənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A dependent or uncertain event or set of circumstances; a possibility or chance that something might happen.
Examples
- The company’s success is contingent on the approval of the investors.
- We’ll attend the concert contingent on the weather being good.
Synonyms
- Conditional
- Dependent
Antonyms
- Certain
- Inevitable
Additional Information
A contingent event or circumstance is one that is dependent on the occurrence of another event or circumstance. It is often used to describe a situation that is uncertain or provisional. In business, contingent means that the outcome of a deal or transaction is dependent on certain conditions being met. In everyday language, it is often used to describe a plan or arrangement that is subject to change or cancellation.
In a broader sense, contingent can refer to anything that is dependent on something else, such as a contingent workforce that is employed on a temporary or project basis.
Etymology
The word “contingent” comes from the Latin “contingens,” which means “touching or bordering on.”
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse “contingent” with “contingency,” which refers to a future event or situation that is possible but not certain.
Cultural References
In business and economics, the concept of contingent has been explored in various books and articles, including “Contingency Planning” by David A. Buchanan and “Contingent Work: A Research Synthesis” by M. Susan Taylor.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Contingent on” – dependent on the occurrence of something else.
Related Words or Phrases
- Conditional
- Dependent
- Provisional
Collocations
- contingent plan
- contingent worker
- contingent fund
Frequency of Use
The word “contingent” is commonly used in business, economics, and everyday language to describe uncertain or provisional situations.
Common Misspellings
- contingent -> contingant
- contingent -> contingenty