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

So far, New York’s Cannabis Social Equity Fund has distributed over $200 million to applicants. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

But these tools are not comprehensive, and the task of verifying applicants’ eligibility for Pathways largely falls on a cadre of overburdened caseworkers. —Margaret Coker, ProPublica, 19 Feb. 2025

That means that Isaac Winkles, reporting companies for which Isaac Winkles is the beneficial owner or applicant, the National Small Business Association, and members of the National Small Business Association as of March 1, 2024—are not currently required to report. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Scholarship applicants must apply by Tuesday, April 15. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

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