incumbency

American  

[in-kuhm-buhn-see] / ɪnˈkʌm bən si /

noun

plural

incumbencies

1. the quality or state of being incumbent.

2. the position or term of an incumbent.

3. something that is incumbent.

4. a duty or obligation.

   my incumbencies as head of the organization.

5. Archaic. an incumbent weight or mass.

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incumbency British  

/ ɪnˈkʌmbənsɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being incumbent

2. the office, duty, or tenure of an incumbent

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Etymology

Origin of incumbency

First recorded in 1600–10; incumb(ent) + -ency

Example Sentences

The shift to AI data centers is driving an expansion of the total addressable market for optical components “well beyond Coherent’s incumbency in the traditional pluggable transceiver market,” he wrote.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Amid what the analyst describes as an “AI-driven transformation of the data center,” the total addressable market for optics is expanding “well beyond Coherent’s incumbency in the traditional pluggable transceiver market.”

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

One of Davis’ greatest assets was his position as lieutenant governor; that currency — incumbency and government know-how — no longer trade at the same high value.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Mr. Miyares, whose mother fled Cuba, has the advantage of incumbency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

The incumbency of Haworth was given to a stranger; Mr. Nicholls returned to Ireland; and new faces and a new life filled the parsonage-house in which "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights" were written.

From Charlotte Bront? A Monograph by Reid, T. Wemyss