contingent

Happening or being true only if something else happens or is true.

• Payment is contingent on approval.
• Our trip was contingent upon getting enough funding.
• Is the agreement contingent on both sides signing?

How to use it: be contingent on/upon something (The offer is contingent on a satisfactory inspection.)

Similar words: dependent, conditional

Opposites: unconditional, independent

Common phrases: contingent on approval, contingent upon funding, contingent on something

Lasting for a limited time rather than being permanent, especially when describing work or workers.

• The company hired contingent workers.
• Contingent labor helps cover the busy summer season.
• Many members of the contingent workforce lack paid leave.

Similar words: temporary, nonpermanent

Opposites: permanent

Common phrases: contingent workers, contingent labor, contingent workforce

Possible, but not certain to happen.

• The event remains contingent.
• Insurance can cover losses from certain contingent events.
• The plan allows for several contingent outcomes.

Similar words: possible, uncertain

Opposites: certain, inevitable

Common phrases: contingent event, contingent outcome, contingent circumstances

A group of soldiers sent to serve as part of a larger force.

• A small contingent guarded the bridge.
• The country sent a military contingent overseas.
• Two contingents joined the peacekeeping force last month.

How to use it: a contingent of soldiers/troops (A contingent of troops arrived to guard the border.)

Similar words: detachment

Common phrases: military contingent, peacekeeping contingent, contingent of troops

The share of something given to one person or group when it is divided.

• Each town received its contingent of supplies.
• The council calculated the village’s contingent.
• Their allotted contingent was smaller than they had expected.

Similar words: share, portion, quota

Common phrases: allotted contingent, contingent of supplies