Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Dependent on something else; determined by specific conditions or circumstances that must be met or occur. The phrase describes a situation where one thing is not absolute but is subject to the fulfillment of a prior condition.

Usage

• The adjective phrase contingent on is used to connect a main action or outcome to a prerequisite condition. It is typically followed by a noun, noun phrase, or gerund.
• It is often used in formal, legal, business, or academic contexts to specify dependencies.
• Common sentence structures:
  • [Subject + verb to be] + contingent on + [noun/noun phrase].
  • [Noun] + contingent on + [noun/noun phrase] + [verb].

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Our funding is contingent on the success of the initial project phase.
  • The merger is contingent on regulatory approval from the government.
  • He made an offer contingent on the results of a home inspection.

Advanced Usage

• "to be contingent upon": This is a formal variant with identical meaning and usage to "contingent on."
  • The treaty's implementation is contingent upon the cessation of hostilities.

Variants and Related Words

• Contingent (Adjective): Possible but not certain to occur; dependent on chance or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Our plans for the picnic are contingent on the weather.
• Contingency (Noun): A future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty; a provision for such an event.
  • We have a contingency plan in case of a power outage.

Synonyms

• Conditional on: Subject to one or more conditions being met.
• Dependent on: Determined or influenced by something else.
• Subject to: Likely or able to be affected by; dependent on compliance with.

Related Phrases

• Hinge on: To depend entirely on.
  • The case hinges on the credibility of a single witness.
• Hang on: To be contingent or dependent on (informal).
  • Everything hangs on his decision.

Adjective

1. determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
   • arms sales contingent on the approval of congress