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

Ganiyu received about $671,438 from citizenship applicants through Zelle and Cash App, along with $287,830 in cash deposits that prosecutors say were meant to conceal the money’s source, according to court documents, the New York Post reported. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

The lawsuit argues that Lyft needs as many drivers as possible to increase profits and failed to adequately screen applicants. — Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026

In the original March public request for proposals, the district said an evaluation panel would rank the applicants on a point system, based on metrics including company history, the developer’s financial footing and the overall project proposal. — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Effective from October, applicants are required to have an income level higher than that of average Japanese households. — Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 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