contingency plan — An alternative plan that is put into operation if the original plan fails or if an unexpected situation arises
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: An alternative plan that is put into operation if the original plan fails or if an unexpected situation arises
Pronunciation (IPA): /kənˈtɪndʒənsi plæn/
Example Sentences
- Our company's contingency plan for a zombie apocalypse involves turning the office into a fortress and using staplers as weapons
- The airline has a contingency plan to accommodate passengers if flights are cancelled due to severe weather
- My contingency plan for a first date disaster is to fake a family emergency involving my pet goldfish
contingency plan
NOUN[/kənˈtɪndʒənsi plæn/]
An alternative plan that is put into operation if the original plan fails or if an unexpected situation arises
The captain pulled out a contingency plan when the engine suddenly failed mid-flight.
Contingency plan: contact every agency with high frequency!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term derives from Latin contingere (to happen, to touch), combining con- (together) and tangere (to touch). It evolved to describe plans prepared for unforeseen circumstances that might unexpectedly arise or 'touch upon' one's situation.
Breakdown
con- (together, with) + tangere (to touch, to happen) + -ency (state or condition). The morphological sense suggests events that 'touch' or befall one, hence plans for contingent or uncertain occurrences.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Our company's contingency plan for a zombie apocalypse involves turning the office into a fortress and using staplers as weapons”
“The airline has a contingency plan to accommodate passengers if flights are cancelled due to severe weather”
“My contingency plan for a first date disaster is to fake a family emergency involving my pet goldfish”
“The government developed multiple contingency plans for potential economic crises”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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