incumbent
Say it: in-KUM-bunt /ɪnˈkʌmbənt/ · noun
What “incumbent” means
An established business already leading in its market.
More precisely: The current holder of a position, or an established leader in a market.
When to use it
In business discussions, when comparing established market leaders with newer companies trying to challenge them.
It can also mean
It also means the person currently holding a particular job or office.
Similar words
officeholder, established player, current holder
Where it comes from
From Latin incumbere, "to lie upon."
Quick check
A new bank challenges the large bank that has led the market for decades. The established bank is…
the incumbent or the entrant?
Show the answer
the incumbent
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