applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈa-pli-kənt 

: one who applies

a job applicant

Synonyms of applicant

• candidate

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

That spokesperson says often, applicants are denied because proper documentation isn't provided or the applicant's employer offers an equivalent plan. —Ashley Grams, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026

The Canadian railroad noted that the applicants did not provide full county-to-county truck flow data from Transearch or truck spot and contract freight rate data obtained from DAT Freight & Analytics—both of which supported central arguments by the Wyman analysts in their statement. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 31 Dec. 2025

Grenada Per Henley & Partners, Grenada's National Transformation Fund requires a donation of $235,000, covering either a single applicant or a family of up to four. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025

Maniscalco said the district is seeking an exemption to the fee with a test group of five applicants, which will inform whether the program could resume. —Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 30 Dec. 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