Part of Speech
adjective,noun
Definition
adjective
necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility
noun
the holder of an office or post
Origin + Etymology
from Anglo-Latin incumbens, incumbent-, from Latin incumbere ‘lie or lean on’, from in- ‘upon’ + a verb related to cubare ‘lie’
Synonyms
adjective
- binding
- obligatory
- mandatory
- necessary
- compulsory
noun
- binding
- holder
- bearer
- occupant
- office-holder
- officer
Antonyms
noun
- unnecessary
Examples
adjective
The group on stage was the incumbent officers of the team.
noun
Gloria is our incumbent spokeswoman.
Usage Over Time
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