Words / C1

k-uh-n-TINJ-uh-nt/kənˈtɪndʒənt/

Contingent means depending on something else that may or may not happen: contingent on good weather. Dependent is everyday; conditional is a close synonym. Contingent on / upon is the pattern. As a noun, a contingent is a group (a small contingent of students) — a different sense. In speech, it depends on is enough. Contingency is a possible future event you plan for (a contingency fund).

Meaning

Depending on something else that may or may not happen (contingent on).

Examples

• “The trip is contingent on good weather.”
• “The trip is contingent on enough people paying the deposit.”
• “Funding is contingent upon a satisfactory audit, not upon goodwill.”

Good to know

contingent on / upon. Dependent on conditions. Everyday: it depends on. Close: conditional. Noun: a group; contingency = a backup plan.

Near in meaning

conditional

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