contingent
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: contingents
Sense 1
An event which may or may not happen; that which is unforeseen, undetermined, or dependent on something in the future.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
That which falls to one in a division or apportionment among a number; a suitable share.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Possible or liable, but not certain, to occur.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
Dependent on something that is undetermined or unknown, that may or may not occur.
Adjective
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “contingent” mean?
An event which may or may not happen; that which is unforeseen, undetermined, or dependent on something in the future.
Is “contingent” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.