incumbency

noun

in·​cum·​ben·​cy in-ˈkəm-bən(t)-sē How to pronounce incumbency (audio)
plural incumbencies
Synonyms of incumbencynext
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

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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.
Recent polling indicates Rosen leading between seven and 10 points, buoyed by her incumbency and strong fundraising efforts. — Nik Popli, TIME, 7 Oct. 2024 Their model identifies these three key factors that will influence the outcome: the state of the economy, incumbency, and charisma. — Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 The analyst believes that due to its incumbency advantage, Lam is set to be the primary beneficiary as the NAND flash memory market invests in tool upgrades this year. — Hakyung Kim,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025 The power of incumbency is particularly strong in Atlanta. — Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 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

Rhymes for incumbency

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Cite this Entry

“Incumbency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incumbency. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of incumbency for Spanish Speakers

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