1. the quality or state of being contingent; dependence on something uncertain or variable
Usage: formal; often used in philosophy and logic
2. an event or circumstance that is possible but not certain to occur
Usage: formal; less common than contingency

Examples

• The contingence of human events makes long-term planning difficult.
• Philosophers debate whether contingence or necessity governs the universe.
• The project's success depends on the contingence of favorable market conditions.
• We must account for contingence when developing emergency protocols.
• The contingence of weather patterns affects agricultural yields.