A predetermined course of action designed to respond effectively to potential future events, emergencies, or unexpected circumstances that could disrupt normal operations.
The phrase originated in military planning during WWII, combining 'contingency' from Latin 'contingere' (to touch or befall) with 'plan' from Latin 'planus' (flat surface for drawing). It entered business vocabulary in the 1960s as corporations adopted military-style strategic planning methods.
Try Another Word