incumbency

[ in-kuhm-buh n-see ]

/ ɪnˈkʌm bən si /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR incumbency ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural in·cum·ben·cies for 2–5.

the quality or state of being incumbent.

the position or term of an incumbent.

something that is incumbent.

a duty or obligation: my incumbencies as head of the organization.

Archaic. an incumbent weight or mass.

Nearby words

Origin of incumbency

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for incumbency

The benefits of incumbency are quite potent, especially in the all-important area of raising campaign funds.
The Unbearable Whiteness of Congress|Dean Obeidallah|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The President, in his incumbency, didn't have to do a thing to own the middle ground.
No, I'm Pretty Sure Mitt Romney 'Gets It'|Justin Green|March 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
For Romney, however, giving poor people health care represents “the power of incumbency.”
Fox News Interview Shows Mitt Romney Still Doesn’t Get Why He Lost|Peter Beinart|March 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Even with all of the advantages of incumbency, President Obama is vulnerable.
How Michele Bachmann Can Win|Mark McKinnon|April 8, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Scandal may be forgiven, and incumbency has its uses, particularly if veteran legislators deliver for their constituents.
The Most Scandalous State|Joe Mathews|August 10, 2010|DAILY BEAST
In 1841 there served one Mr. Moore, who was reappointed, and in 1842 Edward Waters began an incumbency of two years.
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 7, 1922|Various
During the six years of Mr. Brents' incumbency the territory was making tremendous strides.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 1 (of 2)|William Denison Lyman
If your annals take any notice of my incumbency, I shall probably go down to posterity as the Rector who was always beaten.
Science and Education|Thomas H. Huxley
This “in memoriam” act was done out of affection and not because the incumbency was changing hands.
Our Churches and Chapels|Atticus
My lady always loved her own way, but she had worked harmoniously with Mr. Hutton through his year's incumbency.
The Vicissitudes of Bessie Fairfax|Harriet Parr

British Dictionary definitions for incumbency

incumbency

/ (ɪnˈkʌmbənsɪ) /

noun plural -cies

the state or quality of being incumbent

the office, duty, or tenure of an incumbent

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012