The main contingent meaning is depending on something else: if an event is contingent on another, it will only happen if that other thing happens first. A job offer contingent on a background check is not final until the check comes back clean.
As a noun, a contingent is a band of people who come from the same place or share a purpose, such as a contingent of fans at an away match. The word also turns up on property websites, in contracts and in accounting, each with its own shade of the "depends on" idea.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
Dependent on a condition; possible but not certain; a representative groupPart of speech
Adjective and nounPronunciation
kuhn-TIN-juhntWord forms
Contingency (noun), contingencies, contingentlyUsual preposition
Contingent on or uponOrigin
Latin contingere (to touch, to happen), from con- (together) and tangere (to touch)Close words
Conditional, dependent, subject to
Contingent meaning: the main senses
- Depending on a condition (adjective). "The trip is contingent on the weather." Without the condition, the thing does not happen.
- Possible but not certain (adjective). A formal sense used in planning and philosophy: a contingent event is one that might or might not occur.
- A group (noun). A body of people forming part of a larger gathering: the Indian contingent at the conference, a contingent of police officers.
- Not permanent (adjective, work). Contingent workers are temps, freelancers and contractors hired for limited periods.
Contingent definition in examples
- My promotion is contingent on hitting the sales target this quarter.
- A large contingent of students from Kerala arrived for the science fair.
- The loan approval is contingent upon a valuation of the property.
- The company relies heavily on contingent staff during the festive rush.
- Whether we eat outside is contingent on the rain holding off.
Contingent in real estate
On home listing sites, especially in the United States, a property marked contingent has an accepted offer, but the sale still depends on certain conditions being met. These conditions are called contingencies. Common ones are:
- Inspection: the buyer can back out or renegotiate if the inspection finds serious problems.
- Financing: the buyer must secure a mortgage.
- Appraisal: the home must be valued at or above the price.
- Home sale: the buyer must sell their current home first.
A pending listing usually means those conditions have been met or removed and the sale is moving to closing. Sellers can sometimes still take backup offers on a contingent home. Exact labels vary between local listing services.
Contingent and contingency in money and law
A contingent liability is a debt a company might owe if some future event occurs, such as losing a lawsuit or a guarantee being called in. Accountants note these in financial statements so readers know the risk.
A contingency fee is an arrangement where a lawyer is paid only if the case succeeds, usually as a share of the money won. A contingency plan is a backup plan for when things go wrong, and a contingency fund is money set aside for surprises in a budget. Our business and finance hub lists more terms like these.
Contingent, conditional and dependent
| Word | How it feels | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Contingent | Formal; stresses a specific condition | Contracts, offers, plans |
| Conditional | Formal; the condition is often stated outright | Conditional offer, conditional approval |
| Dependent | Neutral; can mean relying on someone for support | Dependent on aid, a dependent child |
| Subject to | Phrase used in legal and business writing | Subject to availability |
A common mistake is "contingent to" or "contingent of" in the adjective sense; use on or upon. Also do not confuse contingent with tentative, which means not yet final or confident, without naming a condition.
Where the word comes from
Contingent appears in English writing from the late 1300s, borrowed from Latin contingere, to touch or to happen to, built from con- and tangere, to touch. The same root gives contact and tangible. Early English uses meant happening by chance. The "depending on" sense grew from the idea of things that touch or bear on each other, and the noun meaning a group appeared later, from the sense of a share or portion falling to someone. The idea links naturally to provision, a term set out in a deal.
Frequently asked questions
What does contingent mean on a house listing?
It means the seller has accepted an offer, but the deal depends on conditions such as an inspection, a mortgage approval or an appraisal. If those fail, the home may go back on the market.
What is the difference between contingent and pending?
Contingent means an offer is accepted but conditions are still open. Pending usually means the conditions are satisfied and the sale is heading to closing.
How do you use contingent on in a sentence?
Put the condition after on or upon: "Our funding is contingent on board approval." It means the funding happens only if the board approves.
How would you define contingent for a beginner?
The simplest definition of contingent is "only happening if something else happens". A second meaning of contingent, as a noun, names a body of people forming part of a bigger crowd.
What is a contingent of people?
It is a group that comes from one place or organization and joins a larger event, such as a contingent of volunteers at a marathon.
How do you pronounce contingent?
kuhn-TIN-juhnt: the beat lands on TIN, and the g is soft like a j.
What are contingent workers?
Contingent workers are people hired for temporary or project-based work, such as freelancers, contractors and agency temps, rather than as permanent employees.