incumbency

noun

in·​cum·​ben·​cy in-ˈkəm-bən(t)-sē How to pronounce incumbency (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for incumbency 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1608, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of incumbency was circa 1608

Dictionary Entries Near incumbency

Cite this Entry

“Incumbency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incumbency. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

incumbency

noun
in·​cum·​ben·​cy in-ˈkəm-bən-sē How to pronounce incumbency (audio)
plural incumbencies
: the time during which a person holds an office or position

More from Merriam-Webster on incumbency

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