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 applicants had wanted to hold the march in the afternoon with 60 participants. — Amanda Ferguson Reuters, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026

From 2009 through 2015, roughly 34% of applicants whose parents attended Harvard were admitted, compared with about 6% of non-legacy applicants. — Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

Advocates say that could create problems, especially for new applicants to the joint state-federal health insurance program for lower-income people. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

But 640 qualified applicants were turned away from the school’s nursing program in the last academic year because of a lack of capacity, according to college data. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 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