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

Maniscalco said the district is seeking an exemption to the fee with a test group of five applicants, which will inform whether the program could resume. —Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 30 Dec. 2025

Some jobs require applicants to be at least 21 years old. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 30 Dec. 2025

The number of rental applicants who were more than 90 days delinquent on their education debt more than doubled, from 15% in January to 32% in May, according to a new analysis from TransUnion, a credit rating company. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025

The Diversity Visa Program is designed to diversify the immigrant population by granting visas to applicants from underrepresented countries. —Maykel Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 27 Dec. 2025

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