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

But presidential results are a useful lens because of their high turnout and ability to offer a clearer view of partisan trends than congressional elections, which can be highly influenced by incumbency. —Ashley Wu, New York Times, 18 May 2026

The upcoming election may influence the council’s decision, as appointing someone who plans to run in 2027 could give the candidate an incumbency advantage. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026

Park is seeking her second term with the benefit of incumbency and the backing of two powerful unions, the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City. —Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

Bass has experience, incumbency, and the support of the city’s powerful labor unions in an overwhelmingly Democratic city. —Douglas E. Schoen, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 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