contingent

²con·tin·gent

noun \kən-ˈtin-jənt\

Definition of CONTINGENT

1

: something contingent (see ¹contingent): contingency

2

: a representative group : delegation, detachment <a diplomatic contingent>

Examples of CONTINGENT

1. The group that makes up the largest contingent of voters in this area is the elderly.
2. A contingent of reporters waited in front of the court for the defendant to appear.
3. A British contingent was sent to assist the security forces.
4. Hollywood, Madison Avenue, the FCC, and a growing contingent in corporate America: It's hard to imagine a more formidable alliance pushing segregated television. —Tamar Jacoby, New Republic, 24 Jan. 2000
5. A Maori contingent, unable to face the intensity of the Turkish fire, sought shelter in a nearby gully. —Martin Gilbert, The First World War, 1994
6. But just because we banned it [DDT] domestically, under pressure from the bird-watching contingent … it doesn't necessarily follow that the rest of the world was about to jump on the bandwagon. —T. Coraghessan Boyle, Harper's, April 1993

Origin of CONTINGENT

(see ¹contingent)

First Known Use: 1548

Related to CONTINGENT

Synonyms: delegacy, delegation

Related Words: embassy, legation, mission; band, company, crew, detachment, gang, outfit, party, squad, team

see all synonyms and antonyms

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