Contingency

noun (plural contingencies)

/kənˈtɪn.dʒən.si/

A future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty, or a provision made in advance for such an event, especially in disaster planning where contingency plans outline actions to be taken if specific emergency scenarios arise.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

A resilient fiscal architecture does not merely budget for the expected; it institutionalises contingency reserves and pre-cleared response protocols so that a sudden drought, pandemic, or external shock does not derail the State's developmental commitments.

Synonyms

eventualitypossibilityemergencyexigencyuncertaintyfortuity

Antonyms

certaintyinevitabilitynecessitypredictability

🌱 Word Family

contingency (n), contingencies (n pl), contingent (adj/n), contingently (adv)

🔡 Root

Latin con- = together + tangere = to touch → contingere = to befall → Late Latin contingentia = a happening

📜 Etymology

From late Latin contingentia ("a happening, circumstance"), from contingere ("to befall, to touch"), from con- ("together") + tangere ("to touch"); entered English in the 16th century.

🧠 Memory Hook

Hear "CON-TINGE" — like a faint tinge of doubt that something might TOUCH (Latin tangere, "to touch") your plans; a contingency is the uncertain event you keep a back-up plan ready to touch up.

⚠️ Disaster Management 📖 Seen in: Sendai Framework for DRR (2015–2030) &...

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