contingency — a future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty

an emergency coordinator guides employees toward the stairwell while checking her emergency response checklist. She points toward the exit route as workers gather their belongings and move quickly but calmly. The fire alarm light flashes red above them, though no actual fire is visible anywhere. This could be a real emergency or just a practice drill, but everyone must respond as if it's real. Office workers look uncertain but follow the coordinator's directions toward safety. Some glance around nervously, not knowing if this is the real thing or just practice. preparation for a future event that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty