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

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

Republicans will not have the advantage of incumbency in the next presidential contest; the Constitution bars President Donald Trump from seeking a third term. —Steve Peoples, Twin Cities, 14 July 2025

Together, these cases underscore a growing legal recognition that platform power, when abused to entrench incumbency and exclude competition, is not only harmful but actionable. —Seth Joseph, Forbes.com, 14 May 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