incumbent

/ɪnˈkʌmbɪnt/

/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/

Other forms: incumbents

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.

Definitions of incumbent

1. adjective

   necessary (for someone) as a duty or responsibility; morally binding
   “it is incumbent on them to pay their own debts”

   synonyms:

   necessary

   absolutely essential
2. adjective

   currently holding an office
   “the incumbent governor”

   synonyms:

   current

   occurring in or belonging to the present time
3. noun

   the official who holds an office
   synonyms: officeholder

   types:

   office-bearer

   the person who holds an office

   type of:

   holder

   a person who holds something

   functionary, official

   a worker who holds or is invested with an office
4. adjective

   lying or leaning on something else
   “an incumbent geological formation”

   synonyms:

   superjacent

   lying immediately above or on something else