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

2

: the quality or state of being incumbent

3

: something that is incumbent : duty

Synonyms

• 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

Well, the principle that govern the original Texas redistricting was incumbency protection. —Steve Inskeep, NPR, 22 July 2025

Mayor Michelle Wu should come out of her City Hall bunker and challenge opponent Josh Kraft to three high-profile TV debates, debunking the usual incumbency strategy of campaigning in a protective bubble. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 29 May 2025

Cuomo, instead of diminishing the perception of his recent incumbency, committed the same general mistake Harris did in coming off as part of the status quo establishment. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025

Despite his incumbency, Adams hasn’t secured many high-profile endorsements. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 July 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