1. Someone who is currently holding an official position; especially, in a church or political organization: Tomorrow on TV voters will be able to see the incumbent and his opponent in a debate.
2. A person who holds a political office or a position in some organization: Incumbents are often evaluated as to whether they are doing a good job or should be replaced with a new incumbent.
3. Etymology: from Latin incumben(t)s, "lying down on"; the present participle of incumbere, "to lean or lie on", from in-, "in, on" + cumbere, "to lie"; so, if something is leaning on anything, it is dependent on that object for its support. © ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

1. Relating to something which is necessary as a result of a duty, a responsibility, or an obligation: It is incumbent that everyone observes the responsibilities of his or her assigned tasks.
2. Descriptive of being responsible for doing what a politician is expected to accomplish: Some of the incumbent members of Congress will be required to run for their current positions again in the coming election. © ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.