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

As of July 29th, more than 120,000 eligible applicants are awaiting additional funding. — Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

An unsolicited email fro a mother is not evidence that the applicant asked her to send it. — Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Documents must be sent in two weeks before the applicant’s hearing so the judge can review them. — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

But the agency wants to make sure that an applicant has nearby transit options, Chandler said. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 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