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

Pre-production support remains, and applicants need a Japanese producer partner. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

The CoC board, which includes representatives of homeless services contractors, hired outside consultants to set up an emergency bidding process and score the applicants. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

The fragmented structure also disqualified the city from some grant opportunities that required applicants to demonstrate a coordinated approach to outreach, support and enforcement related to homelessness. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026

About 60,000 applicants passed an initial CV screen and moved on to online tests designed to measure how quickly candidates solve unfamiliar problems and learn new skills. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 9 Oct. 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