contingency

USAGE SUMMARY

"contingency" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used to refer to something that could happen depending on certain conditions, or a plan set in place for such a situation. For example: "We must be prepared for any contingency that may arise during our journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And some governments – notably the US and Japan – have trouble participating in multi-year commitments that represent a fiscal contingency.

The Guardian

Higgins added: "We have contingency plans in place to ensure we don't have difficulties paying people".

The Guardian - Business

A separate contingency plan, codenamed Operation Halberd, to use troops in the event of a dock strike, had also been drawn up.

The Guardian

The 1984 cabinet papers, released to the National Archives, show that Thatcher asked for contingency plans to be drawn up to use troops to move coal stocks, despite official government policy ruling out the use of service personnel.

The Guardian

A poll undertaken by IMRG (Interactive Media in Retail Group) – a community of e-retailers including Amazon, Tesco and other big names – suggested that 60% of them have full contingency measures in place to safeguard delivery of packets and parcels.

The Guardian - Business

Yet fiction loses its special power if it seeks to instruct or clarify, rather than losing itself in ambiguity or what the philosopher Richard Rorty called contingency and irony.

The Guardian - Opinion

Set a rate that covers professional help, ample coffee and tea, a decent lunch or dinner, plus a contingency.

The Guardian

Ellis had not planned for this contingency, and the torrents Oink served went dark.

The Guardian - Books

"We were not, however, involved in operational planning or contingency planning," he said.

The Guardian

Monday's report said there was a succession of equipment failures which stalled progress, with insufficient contingency in the project plan to ensure the work would finish in time for services to run on 27 December.

The Guardian

It also said there were mutual failings in the communications between Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway, which manages Finsbury Park station, around the implementation of the contingency plan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing business strategies, having a "contingency" plan is crucial for navigating unforeseen challenges; ensure your plans are detailed and regularly updated.

Common error

Don't create general "contingency" plans; make them specific. A vague plan is as good as no plan. Ensure your plan addresses particular scenarios with actionable steps.

Linguistic Context

The word "contingency" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a possible future event or circumstance that must be prepared for. Ludwig shows that it's often used in the context of planning and risk management.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contingency" is a noun referring to a possible future event or a provision made for such an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, business, and planning contexts. When writing, it's vital to create specific, actionable plans for various "contingencies", rather than relying on vague preparations. Consider alternatives like ""possibility"" or ""eventuality"" depending on the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unforeseen circumstance

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the situation.

Potential outcome

Highlights the result that could happen.

Possible event

Focuses on the potential occurrence of something.

Chance event

Focuses on the randomness and unpredictability of occurrences.

Fallback position

Implies a safe or secure alternative.

Emergency plan

Refers to a specific strategy prepared for crises.

Safety net

Emphasizes protection against adverse situations.

Backup solution

Suggests an alternative approach if the primary one fails.

Plan B

A simplified term for an alternative plan.

Rainy day fund

Specifically refers to financial reserves for unexpected expenses.

FAQs

How to use "contingency" in a sentence?

You can use "contingency" to refer to a possible future event or circumstance, as in, "We need to prepare for every "possible event"" or to a provision for an unforeseen event, as in, "The budget includes a "reserve" for contingencies".

What can I say instead of "contingency"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "possibility", "eventuality", or "emergency plan". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "contingency" or "contingence"?

"Contingency" is the more commonly used term, while "contingence" is a less frequent synonym. Both refer to the quality of being contingent, but "contingency" is generally preferred in modern usage.

What is a "contingency" plan?

A "contingency" plan is a proactive strategy designed to address potential future events or emergencies. It outlines specific actions to be taken if certain circumstances arise, helping to minimize disruptions and ensure a swift response.