incumbent position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incumbent position" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the current holder of a specific role or office, often in a political or organizational context. Example: "The incumbent position of mayor will be contested in the upcoming election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"SingTel's incumbent position in Sinapore will be challenged," Mr. Wong said.

The New York Times - Tech

"We expect to gain an incumbent position with many new customers and strengthen our position with others".

The New York Times - Tech

On July 15, WorldCom lost its incumbent position as primary provider of telecom infrastructure for America's air traffic control system.

Forbes

Oracle is pouring everything it can into leveraging its massive incumbent position in databases into various offerings of database as a service.

Forbes

The report that its position at the organization was getting replaced by some 650,000 Apple devices would have been a catalysing example of how far it had fallen from its incumbent position as the king of enterprise mobility.

TechCrunch

While Nokia consistently failed to parlay its incumbent position on mobile into a strong smartphone business in the years before its Microsoft sale, perhaps a restructured and smaller business will come out fighting in a way that the Old Nokia never managed to do.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The rapid advancement in logistics technology will probably pressure shipping companies like FedEx to protect their incumbent positions and develop new lines of business, according to a July report published by the management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. FedEx competitor UPS is experimenting with drone deliveries, as are tech giants Amazon and Google.

The Washington Post

What is reminiscent of iPadnomics is the speed with which the disruption is underestimated, the naiveté with which the backlash is orchestrated, and the resultant vaulting of the service into a near-incumbent position before the deposed incumbents can retrench from the initial mistaken counterattack.

TechCrunch

Judicious action by antitrust authorities now could ensure that it adds to competition in the electricity market rather than simply entrenching the incumbents' positions.

The Economist

As the disruptor improves its offering, though, the incumbent's position becomes increasingly fragile.

Harvard Business Review

Arguing on behalf of the city, Stephen Kitzinger, senior counsel in the city's Law Department, said the claims "have no merit whatsoever" and added, "This law does not preserve an incumbent's position for another four years".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing transitions or challenges to existing power structures, using "incumbent position" can effectively highlight the advantage held by the current entity.

Common error

While "incumbent position" is grammatically correct, it's more suitable for formal or professional writing. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "current job" or "existing role" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incumbent position" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the state or advantage of currently holding a particular office or role. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incumbent position" refers to the state or advantage of currently holding a particular office or role. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically sound, it's more suitable for formal or professional writing than casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "current holder of office" or "existing role" in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Current holder of office

Focuses on the person occupying the position, emphasizing their present tenure.

Existing role

Emphasizes the role itself rather than the person holding it.

Present post

A more concise way of referring to the current job or station.

Occupied seat

Highlights the occupancy of a particular position, often in a political or hierarchical sense.

Reigning position

Implies a position of power or authority, suggesting dominance or control.

Seated official

Focuses on the person officially holding a position of authority.

Current appointment

Refers specifically to the current term or period of service in a position.

In power

Describes the state of holding authority or control, often used in political contexts.

Controlling stake

Used when referring to the person or company that has control over another company or asset.

Established authority

Used when referring to the person or company that has been in charge or control over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "incumbent position" in a sentence?

You might say, "The rapid advancement in logistics technology will probably pressure shipping companies like FedEx to protect their "incumbent position" and develop new lines of business" or "SingTel's "incumbent position" in Sinapore will be challenged".

What is an alternative to "incumbent position"?

Alternatives include "current holder of office", "existing role", or "present post" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "incumbent position" or "current position"?

While both are correct, "incumbent position" specifically refers to the advantage or state of being the current holder of a role, especially in competitive situations, whereas "current position" is a more general term.

What does it mean when a company is defending its "incumbent position"?

It means the company is actively working to maintain its existing market share, authority, or control against competitors or new entrants.