Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

A person who held a job or office before the current holder

predecessor

The correct option is predecessor. It means "a person who held a job or office before the current holder." The other options are incorrect.

• Descendant means "a person who is descended from a particular ancestor."
• Ancestor means "a person from whom one is descended."
• Successor means "a person who takes over a job or position after the previous holder."