Definition

Adjective 1. Determined by something else; conditional: The state, occurrence, or truth of something is dependent on ("upon") a specific condition or set of circumstances being met first. It describes a relationship where one thing is not certain or guaranteed unless another thing happens.

Usage

This adjective phrase is used to describe a noun (often a situation, outcome, agreement, or plan) that is not absolute or independent. It explicitly states the condition that must be satisfied. It is typically followed by the condition, introduced by "on" or "upon." * The structure is: [Subject/Noun] + [is/are/was/were] + contingent upon + [condition].

Examples

• The funding for the new library is contingent upon a successful public vote. (The funding will only happen if the public votes in favor.)
• Our travel plans are contingent upon getting our visas approved. (We will only travel if our visa applications are successful.)
• The job offer was contingent upon the candidate passing a background check. (The offer would only become final after the check was passed.)

Advanced Usage

• Formal and Legal Contexts: This phrase is very common in formal, academic, business, and legal writing to specify terms and conditions.
  • The merger agreement is contingent upon regulatory approval from the government agencies.
• Variation with "on": "Contingent on" is equally correct and common. The choice between "on" and "upon" is often a matter of style, with "upon" sometimes sounding slightly more formal.
  • The picnic is contingent on the weather.

Variants and Related Words

• Contingent (Adjective): Can stand alone to mean "dependent on circumstances not yet known; possible but not certain."
  • Our arrival time is contingent on traffic.
• 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 it rains.
• Conditional (Adjective): Subject to one or more conditions or requirements being met. (A very close synonym).
  • The approval was conditional.

Synonyms

• Conditional upon: Subject to a specific stipulation.
• Dependent on: Determined or influenced by something else.
• Subject to: Likely or able to be affected by; dependent on.
• Hingeing on: Depending entirely on.

Related Phrases

• To be contingent upon: This is the standard verbal phrase.
  • The entire project is contingent upon securing a grant.
• Contingent upon the outcome of: A common construction specifying that something depends on the result of another process.
  • The next phase is contingent upon the outcome of the clinical trial.

Idioms

• (To be) a contingent matter: Something that is not decided and depends on other factors.
  • Whether we expand the team is a contingent matter at this stage.

Adjective

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