candidacy

noun

can·​di·​da·​cy ˈkan-də-də-sē 

ˈka-nə-

plural candidacies

: the state of being a candidate

he is expected to announce his candidacy

Examples of candidacy in a Sentence

He withdrew his candidacy after the scandal damaged his reputation.

Recent Examples on the Web

In his candidacy announcement, Jackson said his priorities include strengthening public safety and the city’s economy. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

And El-Sayed, despite insisting the election should focus on Michigan voters and their economic struggles, has embraced the larger implications of his candidacy. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

And El-Sayed, while maintaining that the election should focus on Michigan voters and their economic struggles, has also embraced the larger implications of his candidacy. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

The Republican candidate has been hobbling through the race, with lackluster fundraising and a long history of personal and legal scandals casting a pall over his candidacy. — Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

candid(ate) + -acy

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

candidacy

noun

can·​di·​da·​cy ˈkan-dəd-ə-sē 

ˈkan-əd-

plural candidacies

: the state of being a candidate