applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈa-pli-kənt 

: one who applies

a job applicant

Synonyms

• 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

Oversight In exchange for the return of federal funding, both Columbia and Brown have agreed to provide federal agencies with detailed student applicant data, including race, standardized test scores and grade point averages. —Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Companies are increasingly using AI to help sort, schedule, and screen applicants in a race to reduce hiring costs and time. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 4 Aug. 2025

The State Department was unable to estimate the number of visa applicants who could be affected by the change. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025

If a job applicant gives a reference, don’t call the phone number or message the email address you’ve been given. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 4 Aug. 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