contingency

plural contingencies

1. uncountableThe quality of being contingent, of happening by chance.First known use 1560s

   Synonyms: possibility, unpredictability, option, choice, alternative, possibility · Antonyms: inevitability, impossibility

2. countableA possibility; something which may or may not happen. A chance occurrence, especially in finance, unexpected expenses.First known use 1610s

   There was also the imperative necessity of creating a reserve fund for unforeseen contingencies, and the question ever present was how was money to be found.

   1909, John Claude White, Sikhim and Bhutan, page 29

   1 more example

   In light of the inherent survival threat posed by zombies and absent specified guidance for detailed planning to address such a contingency, USSTRATCOM has taken the initiative to develop a JOPES Level 3 plan (CONPLAN) consistent with guidance derived from other specified planning efforts to ensure U.S. and Allied freedom of action from zombie domination.

   2011 April 30, United States Strategic Command, CONPLAN 8888-11 "COUNTER-ZOMBIE DOMINANCE" (PDF), archived from the original on 15 Mar 2023, SITUATION

   Synonyms: chance, contingent, eventuality, possibility, potentiality · Antonyms: castle in the air, impossibility, pie in the sky, pipe dream

3. countablebusinessAn amount of money which a party to a contract has to pay to the other party (usually the supplier of a major project to the client) if they do not fulfill the contract according to the specification.
4. countablehuman sciencesA statement which is neither a tautology nor a contradiction.