contingent meaning and definition

CONTINGENT noun

Definition of contingent (noun)

1. a gathering of persons representative of some larger group
   • "each nation sent a contingent of athletes to the Olympics"
2. a temporary military unit
   • "the peacekeeping force includes one British contingent"
   • synonyms: detail

CONTINGENT adjective

Definition of contingent (adjective)

1. possible but not certain to occur
   • "they had to plan for contingent expenses"
2. determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
   • "arms sales contingent on the approval of congress"
   • synonyms: contingent on, contingent upon, dependant on, dependant upon, dependent on, dependent upon, depending on
3. uncertain because of uncontrollable circumstances
   • "the results of confession were not contingent, they were certain"- George Eliot