Incumbent
/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsCurrently holding a specified office or position.
/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/
Currently holding office
The incumbent president is running for a second term.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're the president of the school club. If you're still in charge, you're the incumbent! It means you currently have the job.
👶 For kids: The person who already has the job or is in charge.
More Examples
The incumbent mayor faced a tough challenge from a new candidate.
Voters will decide whether to re-elect the incumbent or choose a new representative.
How It's Used
"The incumbent senator is seeking reelection."
"The incumbent CEO has been with the company for many years."
The person currently holding an office or position.
/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/
The person currently holding office
The incumbent easily won re-election.
💡 Simply: The incumbent is the person who already *has* the job. Like, the principal of the school *is* the incumbent.
👶 For kids: The person who is currently doing the job.
More Examples
The challenger defeated the incumbent in a close race.
The incumbent announced their plans to retire next year.
How It's Used
"The incumbent has a strong advantage due to name recognition."
"The incumbent lost the election to a much younger candidate."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English, from Old French *encombant* (present participle of *encombrer* 'to encumber'), from Latin *incumbens*, present participle of *incumbō* ('to lie upon, lean on').
Historically used in legal and political contexts to refer to individuals holding specific offices or obligations.
Memory tip
Think of an 'incumbent' as the person who's *in* the *cum*bersome (inc.) position.
Word Origin
"to lie upon, lean on"