contingent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a gathering of persons representative of some larger group
    • each nation sent a contingent of athletes to the Olympics
  2. noun a temporary military unit
    detail.
    • the peacekeeping force includes one British contingent
  3. adjective satellite possible but not certain to occur
    • they had to plan for contingent expenses
  4. adjective satellite determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
    dependent upon; contingent on; contingent upon; depending on; dependent on; dependant upon; dependant on.
    • arms sales contingent on the approval of congress
  5. adjective satellite uncertain because of uncontrollable circumstances
    • the results of confession were not contingent, they were certain"- George Eliot

WordNet

Con*tin"gent adjective
Etymology
L. contingens, -entis, p.pr. of contingere to touch on all sides, to happen; con- + tangere to touch: cf. F. contingent. See Tangent, Tact.
Definitions
  1. Possible, or liable, but not certain, to occur; incidental; casual.
    Weighing so much actual crime against so much contingent advantage. Burke.
  2. Dependent on that which is undetermined or unknown; as, the success of his undertaking is contingent upon events which he can not control. "Uncertain and contingent causes." Tillotson.
  3. (Law) Dependent for effect on something that may or may not occur; as, a contingent estate.
    If a contingent legacy be left to any one when he attains, or if he attains, the age of twenty-one. Blackstone.
Con*tin"gent noun
Definitions
  1. An event which may or may not happen; that which is unforeseen, undetermined, or dependent on something future; a contingency.
    His understanding could almost pierce into future contingets. South.
  2. That which falls to one in a division or apportionment among a number; a suitable share; proportion; esp., a quota of troops.
    From the Alps to the border of Flanders, contingents were required . . . 200,000 men were in arms. Milman.

Webster 1913