nonoccurrence

Nonoccurrence is the state of not happening or not taking place, often defined within a specified scope, time frame, or set of conditions. The term is used across disciplines to describe the absence of an event or outcome that could or would occur under certain circumstances.

In probability theory, nonoccurrence is the complement of an event. If event A has probability p, the probability that A does not occur is 1−p. This concept supports risk assessment and decision making under uncertainty.

In formal logic, nonoccurrence corresponds to the negation of a proposition: not p. In semantics and linguistics, negation marks the absence of an eventuality, often expressed with words like not or never. The analysis of nonoccurrence intersects with modality and counterfactual reasoning.

In contract law and risk management, nonoccurrence can determine liability or performance. Some agreements condition obligations on the occurrence of an event; failures due to nonoccurrence may excuse performance or trigger alternative arrangements. Insurance, force majeure, and contingent contracts frequently revolve around nonoccurrence as a risk factor.

Examples include the nonoccurrence of a weather event affecting plans, the nonoccurrence of a statistical signal within a study period, or the nonoccurrence of injury in a given season.