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

The vast majority of the federal funds secured by LAHSA as a grant applicant goes toward permanent housing, agency officials said. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

The scammers then pretend to be members of those departments and email applicants demanding payments, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office said in a news release. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2026

That’s the kind of practical and detailed question a nervous applicant might never ask in an interview. — Benjamin Wolff, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

There remained a significant gap of approximately $304,000 that the applicant approached the village about to help make the project viable, Leighty told trustees. — Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

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