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incumbent

Adjective

IPA /ɪnˈkʌmbənt/

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Meaning in plain English

Currently holding a particular official job or position, especially one that another person may compete to take over.

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Pronunciation

incumbent/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/

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The current chair already holds the position
A challenger hopes to take that position

The incumbent chair is the person currently serving in the official role.

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The incumbent club president invited members to stand in the election.
The report compares the incumbent director's plans with those of her challengers.

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The ________ club president invited members to stand in the election.

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incumbent — Currently holding a particular official job or position, especially one that another person may compete to take over.

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Currently holding a particular official job or position, especially one that another person may compete to take over.

Compare: The incumbent club president invited members to stand in the election.

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Word origin

From Latin incumbens, related to incumbere, meaning lie or lean upon.

Did you know?

Incumbent is also a noun meaning the person who currently holds an official position.

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