contingency
Say it: kun-TIN-jun-see /kənˈtɪndʒənsi/ · noun
What “contingency” means
Something that might happen and needs preparing for.
More precisely: A possible future event that must be prepared for; also, a plan or fund for it.
Example: “Keep a contingency fund covering three months of expenses.”
When to use it
In formal planning, when preparing for possible problems with backup arrangements or spare funds. It is common business language.
It can also mean
It can also mean a backup plan or money reserved for unexpected problems.
Similar words
eventuality, backup, fallback
Quick check
An outdoor event organiser keeps a covered hall available in case a storm arrives. What does this backup provide?
a forecast or a contingency?
Show the answer
a contingency
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “contingency”