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

Term limits used to be a hot issue as a means to solve the problems that accompany incumbency. —Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026

Call it the power of incumbency, but for a whole different office. —Paul Monies, Oklahoma Watch, 21 Jan. 2026

In every presidential election since 2006, Chileans have voted out the incumbency to swing to the opposing side of the political spectrum. —Andra B. Chastain, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025

The United States should maintain the dollar’s incumbency advantage by demonstrating its commitment to the international financial system, fiscal sustainability, and the institutional independence of the Federal Reserve. —Lael Brainard, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025

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