Contingent meaning : An event which may or may not happen; that which is unforeseen, undetermined, or dependent on something future. That which falls to one in a division or apportionment among a number; a suitable share. A quota of troops. Possible or liable, but not certain to occur. (with upon or on) Dependent on something that is undetermined or unknown. Dependent on something that may or may not occur. Not logically necessarily true or false. Temporary.