YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

contingency

Noun

IPA /kənˈtɪndʒənsi/

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Meaning in plain English

A possible future event, especially a problem, that you prepare for even though it may never happen.

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Pronunciation

contingency/kənˈtɪndʒənsi/

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We kept some spare cash for an unexpected contingency during the trip.
The team prepared a contingency plan in case the speaker cancelled.

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We kept some spare cash for an unexpected ________ during the trip.

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contingency — A possible future event, especially a problem, that you prepare for even though it may never happen.

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A possible future event, especially a problem, that you prepare for even though it may never happen.

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Word origin

From late Latin contingentia, related to contingere, meaning to befall or happen.

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A contingency plan explains what to do if a possible problem occurs.

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