Definition

1. Noun:
   • The holding of an office or the period during which it is held: The state or fact of being the current holder of a particular official position, or the duration of time one holds that position.
   • A duty or obligation that is morally binding: A responsibility that is required as part of one's role or position.
   • The office or position itself: The official role or post held by an incumbent.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • During his incumbency as mayor, several new parks were built. (This refers to the period he held the office.)
  • It is the incumbency of all citizens to obey the law. (This refers to a binding duty.)
  • The incumbency comes with significant responsibilities and a dedicated staff. (This refers to the office or position itself.)

Advanced Usage

• "To seek re-election based on one's incumbency": To campaign for another term by emphasizing the experience gained from currently holding the office.

  • The senator is leveraging her successful incumbency in her re-election campaign.

• "The advantages of incumbency": The benefits enjoyed by a current officeholder, such as name recognition and access to resources, especially during an election.

  • Political analysts often discuss the significant advantages of incumbency.

Variants and Related Words

• Incumbent (adj): Necessary as a duty or responsibility; currently holding a specified office.

  • It is incumbent upon us to act. (It is our duty.)
  • The incumbent governor is running for re-election. (The current governor.)

• Incumbent (n): The current holder of an office or post.

  • The incumbent faces a strong challenger in the upcoming election.

Synonyms

• Tenure: The holding of an office or post; the period of time it is held.
• Term: A fixed or limited period for which a position is held.
• Obligation: A duty or commitment.
• Responsibility: A thing one is required to do as part of a job or role.

Related Phrases

• "To run on one's incumbency": To use one's record as the current officeholder as the main platform for an election campaign.

  • The president chose to run on his incumbency, highlighting his administration's achievements.

• "The weight of incumbency": The burden of responsibilities and expectations associated with holding an office.

  • After years in the role, he felt the full weight of the incumbency.

Noun

1. the office of an incumbent
2. a duty that is incumbent upon you
3. the term during which some position is held