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

Senate races are also on the ballot in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, where Republican incumbents are defending their seats, and in Colorado and New Mexico, where Democrats hold the incumbency. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Bell has benefited from incumbency this time, with the New Democrats complementing the AIPAC spending for his campaign. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026

That removes the incumbency advantage the GOP has seen in the district. — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

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