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

Johnson told reporters when asked about Giannoulias’ candidacy. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Cohn leaked a story to the Times that Biaggi had pleaded the Fifth the year before when questioned by a federal grand jury, and the controversy helped sink Biaggi’s candidacy. — Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

All that remains in the offing, however, as none of the major prospects have formally declared their candidacies. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Challengers to Infantino must submit their candidacies for the March election by November 18. — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 1 Aug. 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