contingency
UK: kənˈtɪndʒənsi | US: kənˈtɪndʒənsi
n. an event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty
n. a provision for unforeseen events or circumstances
n. (philosophy) the state of being contingent on something else
The word "contingency" originates from Latin contingere (to touch, happen, or affect), composed of con- (together) and tangere (to touch). Over time, it evolved to imply events that "touch" or depend on circumstances, reflecting unpredictability. The suffix -ency nominalizes the concept, forming "contingency" to describe uncertain or dependent outcomes.
The project plan includes a contingency for unexpected delays.
Financial advisors recommend saving money as a contingency against emergencies.
In philosophy, contingency contrasts with necessity.
The team prepared for every contingency before the expedition.
Her success was not luck but a result of planning for contingencies.