incumbency

noun

in·​cum·​ben·​cy in-ˈkəm-bən(t)-sē 

plural incumbencies

1

: the sphere of action or period of office of an incumbent

Many jobs were created during her incumbency.

2

: the quality or state of being incumbent

the advantage of incumbency in an election

3

: something that is incumbent : duty

occupational incumbencies

Synonyms of incumbency

• obligation
• duty
• responsibility
• office
• need
• promise

Examples of incumbency in a Sentence

Hundreds of new jobs were created during her incumbency.

the advantages of incumbency during an election

a politician seeking to keep his incumbency

Recent Examples on the Web

Gomez runs on anti-Trump record Despite the abuse allegations, Gomez has the power of incumbency and name recognition in a vast and diverse district. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Recent polling suggests Nixon is a longshot to win, and Moody has the advantages of incumbency, far more money and the luxury of a state voter base heavily weighted toward Republicans. — Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Millions of websites have advantages of legacy and incumbency. — George C. Lee Ii, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Bell has benefited from incumbency this time, with the New Democrats complementing the AIPAC spending for his campaign. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1608, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for incumbency

• recumbency

Kids Definition

incumbency

noun

in·​cum·​ben·​cy in-ˈkəm-bən-sē 

plural incumbencies

: the time during which a person holds an office or position