incumbent

American  

[in-kuhm-buhnt] / ɪnˈkʌm bənt /

adjective

1. holding an indicated position, role, office, etc., currently.

   the incumbent officers of the club.

2. obligatory (often followed by on orupon ).

   a duty incumbent upon me.

3. Archaic. resting, lying, leaning, or pressing on something.

   incumbent upon the cool grass.

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noun

1. the holder of an office.

   The incumbent was challenged by a fusion candidate.

2. British. a person who holds an ecclesiastical benefice.

incumbent British  

/ ɪnˈkʌmbənt /

adjective

1. formal morally binding or necessary; obligatory

   it is incumbent on me to attend

2. resting or lying (on)

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noun

1. a person who holds an office, esp a clergyman holding a benefice

incumbent Cultural  

1. One who holds a public office. By virtue of their experience in office, their exposure to the public, and their ability to raise campaign funds, incumbents usually have a significant advantage over opponents if they choose to run for reelection.

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Other Word Forms

• anti-incumbent adjective
• incumbently adverb
• nonincumbent noun

Etymology

Origin of incumbent

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English (noun), from Latin incumbent-, stem of incumbēns “lying upon,” present participle of incumbere “to lie or lean upon,” equivalent to in- in- ² + -cumbere (variant combining form of cubāre “to lie down”; cubicle )

Example Sentences

Historically - both in the 1970s and over the past few years - incumbent governments across the world have been punished by voters in such moments.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“Smart eyewear remains a nascent market with no clear incumbent, offering Enovix an opportunity to establish early leadership,” Legg wrote.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Lurie campaigned as a City Hall outsider, and much of the establishment contributed to his opponent, incumbent mayor London Breed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Stand With Crypto, a grassroots crypto group backed by Coinbase, on Thursday released its first endorsements in November’s midterm elections, giving its support to six incumbent lawmakers from both parties.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

The incumbent hazards lent the activity a seriousness of purpose that was sorely missing from the rest of my life.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• occupant