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

The union plans to spend several million dollars on anti-Raman ads, Noah reports, targeting her membership in the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, which recently endorsed her candidacy. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

A day after dismissing Dana Brown, Astros owner Jim Crane fielded a question specifically about Bagwell’s potential candidacy. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Morris Katz, a young Democratic strategist who helped mastermind the candidacy of Zohran Mamdani (and Graham Platner), met Jentleson during Fetterman’s 2022 Senate campaign. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026

When confirmed three years ago, the joint candidacy between Spain, Portugal and Morocco looked like a perfect event to bridge Europe and Africa and strengthen bonds between the western Mediterranean neighbors. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 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