Contingent

/kənˈtɪn.dʒənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A group of people representative of a larger group.

The United States sent a contingent of diplomats to the climate summit.

A representative group forming part of a larger body.

A contingent of volunteers arrived at the site to assist with the cleanup.

adjective

Subject to chance; dependent on something else.

The team's success is contingent upon securing adequate funding.

Occurring or existing only if certain circumstances are the case; conditional.

Their agreement was contingent on the approval of the board.

From Latin 'contingens', meaning 'touching, clinging to'.

contingent upon

Dependent on something else happening.

contingent workforce

A labor force composed of contingent workers.

conditional

Subject to conditions.

provisional

Arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later.

A group of friends considered less permanent.

That party will be a blast; I'm bringing my contingent.