incumbent
The person who has a job or office now, especially in politics, when someone else wants to take that job.
The person who currently holds a particular office, position, or job, especially in politics, when that position is being contested or compared with others.
Having a job or office now, especially in politics, before or during an election.
Currently holding a particular office or position, especially an elected or official one, often when contrasted with rivals or successors.
Used with 'on' or 'upon' to say that a person must do something because it is their duty or responsibility.
Used in the phrase "incumbent on/upon someone" to mean that something is a duty or responsibility that that person is morally or officially required to fulfill.
In some Christian churches, the main priest who is responsible for a local church or area.
In some Christian churches, especially in the Church of England and related traditions, the priest who has official responsibility for a particular church or parish.
Used in science to say that something is lying on top of or pressed against another thing.
In scientific and technical descriptions, especially in biology, lying down on or resting directly on the surface of something.
- Base: incumbent
- Base: incumbent
- Plural: incumbents
it is incumbent upon
1saying something is a duty
Used to say that someone must do something because it is their duty or responsibility. Usually followed by a person and 'to' plus a verb.
- It is incumbent upon all of us to reduce waste wherever possible.
- In a democracy, it is incumbent upon citizens to stay informed.
- The report concludes that it is incumbent upon the authorities to act immediately.
the incumbent government
1current government in power
The government that has power now, often when people compare it with possible new governments.
- The incumbent government is under pressure to cut taxes.
- Many voters are unhappy with the incumbent government’s record on health care.
- The opposition has accused the incumbent government of failing to tackle inflation.
the incumbent party
1party currently in power
The political party that is in power now, especially in a country or region where another party wants to win the next election.
- The incumbent party is struggling to hold on to its majority.
- Scandals have damaged public trust in the incumbent party.
- The incumbent party faces a tough challenge from a new movement.
the incumbent president
1current president in office
The president who has the job now, especially when people talk about an election or a possible new president.
- The incumbent president is facing strong criticism over the new law.
- Polls suggest that the incumbent president is slightly ahead of his rival.
- The incumbent president will debate the opposition candidate tonight.