incumbent

The word “incumbent” means currently holding an office or position. In plain terms, refers to whoever currently holds a position — often used in politics — or describes a duty that comes with a role.

“Incumbent” is pronounced ihn-KUHMBNT (/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/ in IPA).

Here is “incumbent” used in a sentence: “The incumbent mayor won re-election by a wide margin.”

Depending on how it is used, “incumbent” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “incumbent” comes from Latin. From Latin incumbēns ("reclining, resting upon"), the present participle of incumbere, from in- plus a root meaning "to lie down.".

“Incumbent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

“Incumbent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: currently holding an office or position.

An incumbent is the person currently holding an office, while an elect (as in 'president-elect') is someone who has won an election but has not yet taken office. Incumbency refers to present occupation of a role, not a pending transition into one.

The phrase 'incumbent upon' or 'incumbent on' means something is required of a person because of their duty or position, as in 'it is incumbent upon the manager to approve the request.' This usage is formal and common in official or legal writing.

Yes, incumbent applies to anyone currently holding a position, such as an incumbent CEO or an incumbent board member, not just elected officials. It simply marks the current holder of a role as opposed to a predecessor or challenger.