incumbent

American  

[in-kuhm-buhnt] / ɪnˈkʌm bənt /

adjective

1. holding an indicated position, role, office, etc., currently.

   the incumbent officers of the club.

2. obligatory (often followed by on orupon ).

   a duty incumbent upon me.

3. Archaic. resting, lying, leaning, or pressing on something.

   incumbent upon the cool grass.

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noun

1. the holder of an office.

   The incumbent was challenged by a fusion candidate.

2. British. a person who holds an ecclesiastical benefice.

incumbent British  

/ ɪnˈkʌmbənt /

adjective

1. formal morally binding or necessary; obligatory

   it is incumbent on me to attend

2. resting or lying (on)

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noun

1. a person who holds an office, esp a clergyman holding a benefice

incumbent Cultural  

1. One who holds a public office. By virtue of their experience in office, their exposure to the public, and their ability to raise campaign funds, incumbents usually have a significant advantage over opponents if they choose to run for reelection.

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Other Word Forms

• anti-incumbent
  adjective
• incumbently
  adverb
• nonincumbent
  noun

Etymology

Origin of incumbent

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English (noun), from Latin incumbent-, stem of incumbēns “lying upon,” present participle of incumbere “to lie or lean upon,” equivalent to in- in- ² + -cumbere (variant combining form of cubāre “to lie down”; see cubicle)

Explanation

An incumbent is an official who holds an office. If you want to run for congress, you're going to have to beat the incumbent. Incumbent comes from the Latin word incumbens, which means "lying in" or "leaning on," but came to mean "holding a position." It was first used in English for someone holding a church office, and then someone holding any office. You'll most likely hear it today for political officials. In a race for mayor, the incumbent mayor faces a challenger. Incumbent also means "required by obligation." It is incumbent upon you to do the dishes.

Example Sentences

Incumbent Robert Luna will take on a crowded field in the race for Los Angeles County Sheriff.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Incumbent Kenneth Mejia, who is running for a second term, faces challenger Zach Sokoloff in the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, 53, is favoured to win in the first round.

From Barron's • Nov. 23, 2025

Incumbent Bruce Harrell is leading in the race for mayor as we write this, though he was facing a stiff challenge from progressive Katie Wilson.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Should the Incumbent or the Parish Council have the charge of them? 

From Churchwardens' Manual their duties, powers, rights, and privilages by Sumner, George Henry

Related Words

• occupant