Subject to chance (of losses, liabilities, etc.) That can be anticipated to arise if a particular event occurs Occurring or existing only if (certain other circumstances) are the case; dependent on

A group of people united by some common feature, forming part of a larger group. A body of troops or police sent to join a largebe in an operation

Late 14c., from O.Fr. contingent or directly from L. contingentem (nom, contingens) “happening, touching,” prp. of contingere “to touch” (see contact) The noun is from 1540s, “thing happening by chance;” as “a group forming part of a larger group” from 1727.