Incumbent

/ɪnˈkʌm.bənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who holds a specific office or position.

The incumbent governor is expected to run for reelection next year.

A person or group that is currently in a position of authority.

The incumbent held the position for over a decade before stepping down.

adjective

Necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility.

It is incumbent upon all citizens to vote in elections.

Currently holding an office or position.

The incumbent senator will face several challengers in the upcoming election.

From Latin 'incumbens', present participle of 'incumbere', meaning to lie upon.

incumbent upon

A phrase meaning it is someone's duty or obligation.

the incumbent

Refers to a person currently holding a specific position or office.

incumbency

The period during which someone holds office.

officeholder

A person who holds an office in an organization or government.

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