contingent

[kuhn-tin-juhnt]

adjective

1. dependent for existence, occurrence, character, etc., on something not yet certain; conditional (often followed by on orupon ).

   Our plans are contingent on the weather.

2. liable to happen or not; uncertain; possible.

   They had to plan for contingent expenses.

3. happening by chance or without known cause; fortuitous; accidental.

   contingent occurrences.

4. Logic.,  (of a proposition) neither logically necessary nor logically impossible, so that its truth or falsity can be established only by sensory observation.

noun

1. a quota of troops furnished.

2. any one of the representative groups composing an assemblage.

   the New York contingent at a national convention.

3. the proportion that falls to one as a share to be contributed or furnished.

4. something contingent; contingency.

contingent

/ kənˈtɪndʒənt /

adjective

1. dependent on events, conditions, etc, not yet known; conditional

2. logic (of a proposition) true under certain conditions, false under others; not necessary

3. (in systemic grammar) denoting contingency (sense 4)

4. metaphysics (of some being) existing only as a matter of fact; not necessarily existing

5. happening by chance or without known cause; accidental

6. that may or may not happen; uncertain

noun

1. a part of a military force, parade, etc

2. a representative group distinguished by common origin, interests, etc, that is part of a larger group or gathering

3. a possible or chance occurrence

Other Word Forms

• contingently adverb
• noncontingent adjective
• noncontingently adverb
• uncontingent adjective
• uncontingently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of contingent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin contingent-, stem of contingēns “touching together,” present participle of contingere “to touch together, come into contact with,” equivalent to con- con- + -tingere, variant stem of tangere “to touch”

Word History and Origins

Origin of contingent¹

C14: from Latin contingere to touch, fall to one's lot, befall; see also _contact

Example Sentences

Foster’s quick flameout after a little more than one season has led to a new opening inside the athletic department while leading a growing contingent of donors and fans to demand one more.

From Los Angeles Times

The Premier 15s, as it was originally known, was backed by £2.4m of funding, contingent on the clubs meeting standards around professional coaching, sports science and medical support for players.

From BBC

He is currently director of business development and strategy and this week was part of a Steelers contingent that visited Newry, an hour's drive from Dublin, just across the border in Northern Ireland.

From BBC

As part of a 37-strong British contingent, external headed for India, he goes into the championships with "my hunger back", having struggled with the comedown from his Paralympic high.

From BBC

The breakaway region of Transnistria, propped up by Moscow, is still home to a contingent of Russian troops.

From BBC

Related Words

• batch 
• detachment