contingencymethod

noun

UK /kənˈtɪndʒənsi ˈmɛθəd/

US /kənˈtɪndʒənsi ˈmɛθəd/

A way of doing something that you only use if things don't go as planned.

If the bus is late, our contingency method is to walk to school.

SYNONYMS

backup plan fallback method plan B reserve approach alternative strategy

RELATED WORDS

contingency backup fallback preparedness safety net

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A formal procedure used only when a specific unexpected event happens.

The lab has a contingency method for power failures.

3. A planning technique that prepares different actions for different possible future situations.

Managers used a contingency method to decide how many staff to hire.

4. An emergency approach kept ready in case the main one fails.

Pilots practice a contingency method for landing in bad weather.