ultimate contingency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ultimate contingency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the final or most significant contingency plan or event in a given context. Example: "In the event of a natural disaster, our ultimate contingency is to evacuate all personnel to the designated safe zones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As I told the taoiseach today, Irish unity is the ultimate contingency to protect our interests in the event of a crash Brexit.

The Guardian

But a consciousness of life's ultimate contingency (as pragmatist philosophers knew), instead of instilling in us perpetual fear of loss, can steer us away from taking for granted the liberties that we as Americans enjoy and can push us instead toward a sensitivity to the people and institutions that make these great freedoms and small joys possible.

The New York Times

But Holkot followed Ockham in subscribing to the ultimate contingency of the decalogue.

SEP

The purpose of these distinctions was to offer a way of explaining the contingency of events, but in doing so they assumed the ultimate contingency of everything except God.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is dangerous work and sadly 68 of our employees have paid the ultimate sacrifice while supporting U.S. contingency operations.

Huffington Post

So seeing as Season 4 was something of a surprise to Lane & Wacker, are these two animation execs now -- just in case -- prepping a contingency plan should Ultimate Spider-Man be renewed for a fifth season?

Huffington Post

A reconstruction of the ultimate life goals in confrontation with contingency could assist patients to (re)access their own resources and come to terms with the unexpected aspects of life, ultimately improving their quality of life [ 28- 30].

BMC Cancer

We have developed a semi-structured interview model for the interpretation of contingent life events in life stories, based on literature on the experiences of contingency and the importance of ultimate life goals.

BMC Cancer

Following this flow chart overview, a synopsis unpacks the flow chart elements and details how the ultimate assertion emerged via investigation and analysis of the aforementioned contingency table.

International Journal of STEM Education

Some attorneys take certain types of cases on a contingency basis, recovering their fees and costs from the ultimate recovery.

Los Angeles Times

The element of contingency that pervades the world is immediately accounted for by the assumption that the ultimate constituents of reality are 'living' subjects, but how do orderly processes emerge?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ultimate contingency", ensure the context clearly establishes the preceding series of events or potential problems that lead to this final measure.

Common error

Avoid using "ultimate contingency" for minor inconveniences or easily resolvable issues. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the stakes are high and the consequences of failure are significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ultimate contingency" functions as a noun phrase that describes a final or most extreme measure taken in response to a potential problem or failure. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct and usable. The examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from political strategy to philosophical discussions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ultimate contingency" is a noun phrase used to describe the final, most critical plan or action to be taken when all other options have failed. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable, although relatively rare in usage. It is most commonly found in news, scientific and encyclopedia texts, suggesting a formal tone. When writing, reserve "ultimate contingency" for scenarios with significant consequences and ensure the context clearly establishes the lead-up to this final measure. Consider alternatives like "last resort" or "final fallback" for similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last resort

Focuses on the finality of the action, highlighting it as the only remaining option.

final fallback

Emphasizes the plan as a secondary option after other attempts have failed.

worst-case scenario plan

Specifically addresses planning for the most negative potential outcome.

emergency measure

Highlights the urgency and immediate need for the action.

break-glass solution

Suggests a drastic solution reserved for critical situations.

absolute necessity

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the situation.

safety net

Implies a protective measure to prevent failure.

final precaution

Focuses on the preventative aspect of the measure.

last-ditch effort

Highlights the desperation and finality of the attempt.

trump card

Suggests a powerful and decisive action to overcome a challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "ultimate contingency" in a sentence?

You can use "ultimate contingency" to describe the final plan or action taken when all other options have failed. For example: "As I told the taoiseach today, Irish unity is the "ultimate contingency" to protect our interests in the event of a crash Brexit."

What is the difference between "ultimate contingency" and "last resort"?

While both terms refer to a final option, "ultimate contingency" often implies a pre-planned strategy, whereas "last resort" might suggest a more spontaneous or desperate measure taken in the moment.

What are some synonyms for "ultimate contingency"?

Synonyms for "ultimate contingency" include "final fallback", "worst-case scenario plan", or "emergency measure", depending on the context.

Is "ultimate contingency" a formal or informal phrase?

"Ultimate contingency" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for professional, academic, or news contexts.