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

• burden
• charge
• commitment
• devoir
• do [archaic]
• duty
• imperative
• need
• obligation
• office
• responsibility

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

Everywhere else, incumbency seems to have become the electoral kiss of death. —Moisés Naím, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2025

The main problem was the incumbency disadvantage, exacerbated by inflation—and immigration, and also urban disorder, wokeness, and trans swimmers. —Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024

Whatever controversies swirl around her currently, incumbency has its perks. —David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025

As the candidate associated with the incumbency, Vice President Harris struggled to make a compelling economic pitch to voters. —Erin Doherty, Axios, 13 Jan. 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