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

There are about two dozen tossup House races, where either party could come away with the win regardless of incumbency, according to Cook Political Report. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024

Both Smith and Adkins emphasized that Fischer's incumbency gives her an advantage, as well as the sheer number of more Republicans registered in Nebraska than Democrats or independents, and Donald Trump's popularity in much of the state. —Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2024

Still, for one judge in metro Detroit this fall, incumbency might not be enough. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 30 Sep. 2024

The idea that Nez could outperform O'Halleran without financial backing from national Democrats, or the advantage of incumbency, strains some of the most reliable rules of politics. —Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1608, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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