candidacy

noun

can·​di·​da·​cy ˈkan-də-də-sē 

ˈka-nə-

plural candidacies

: the state of being a candidate

he is expected to announce his candidacy

Examples of candidacy in a Sentence

He withdrew his candidacy after the scandal damaged his reputation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Other candidates in the race condemned her candidacy, and briefly considered consolidating around a single Black candidate to defeat her, but that effort failed. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026

Leaders from both parties in the House, Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, condemned Bilzerian's rhetoric and his candidacy Sunday evening. — Lauren Peller, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

In a crowded primary field that saw contenders drop out and reenter, Hong's grassroots candidacy benefited from a committed coalition made mostly of younger and college-educated voters. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2026

Wayne Adams, who has been a vocal supporter of keeping the Sheriff’s Office in Deerfield Beach, announced his candidacy for the Deerfield Beach City Commission five months ago, intending to replace Commissioner Ben Preston. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

candid(ate) + -acy

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

candidacy

noun

can·​di·​da·​cy ˈkan-dəd-ə-sē 

ˈkan-əd-

plural candidacies

: the state of being a candidate