The margin allocated during design based on assessments of uncertainty and unknowns. This margin is often consumed as the design matures.
Sources:
NIST SP 800-160v1r1
from
NASA Systems Engineering Handbook
A spare amount or measure or degree allowed or given for contingencies or special situations. The allowances carried to account for uncertainties and risks.
Sources:
NIST SP 800-160v1r1
under margin
from
MTR210263