contingent.

1. dependent on a condition or circumstance that may or may not occur

2. A group forming part of a larger body or gathering.

3. Possible but not logically necessary; capable of being otherwise.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• contingent on approval
• contingent outcome
• contingent liability

On the page

The conclusion is contingent on the reliability of the records.

Funding remains contingent upon approval.

The result is contingent rather than logically necessary.

Usage notes

Primary curation section: Academic. Use contingent on or upon. In another sense, contingent means not necessary and capable of being otherwise. Normally non-gradable in the conditional sense. Related noun: contingency.