applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈa-pli-kənt 

: one who applies

a job applicant

Synonyms

• applier
• aspirant
• campaigner
• candidate
• contender
• expectant
• hopeful
• prospect
• seeker

Examples of applicant in a Sentence

We interviewed 30 qualified applicants for the job.

have numerous applicants for the job

Recent Examples on the Web

In April, CalMatters reported that an official in the state chancellor’s office told the publication that in January of this year, 25% of applicants to the state community college system were suspected to be fraudulent. —Kim Rich, Orange County Register, 20 May 2024

Creditors don't verify the age of applicants, so a bad actor could potentially open a credit card without anyone noticing until the kid becomes an adult and wants a card of their own. —Andrew Limbong, NPR, 20 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

applicate "to apply, put to use" (borrowed from Latin applicātus, past participle of applicāre "to bring into contact [with], situate near, bring to bear [on]") + -ant entry 1 — more at apply

First Known Use

circa 1742, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈap-li-kənt 

: one who applies for something

an applicant for work