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

How much weight does incumbency carry? —Philip Elliott, Time, 10 June 2026

But ultimately, the support for Rosen — through his prolific high-profile endorsements and corresponding fundraising advantage — along with the historical strength of incumbency in this countywide office, appear to have carried him to re-election. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

Assembly District 39 Democratic state Assemblyman Juan Carrillo’s incumbency was being challenged by Republican Paul Andre Marsh, a community services liaison. —Ryan Carter, Daily News, 3 June 2026

But Maine and Alaska are these outlying states, very different than the rest of the map, based off of media market, based off of incumbency and the particulars of the states. —ABC News, 31 May 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