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 reform eliminated the penalty of loss of citizenship rights for those who promoted presidential reelection and the ban on presidential candidacy for those who had served as president in the previous term. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

Ossoff’s name recognition, status as an incumbent, and fundraising abilities have boosted his candidacy in the purple state, while Bottoms battles Jackson for the large portion of undecided voters in the gubernatorial race. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026

The committee will hold a special slating session to choose a candidate for the vacant seat, with all inquiries for candidacy required to be received by the July 24 deadline. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

The president sued the Times last year, accusing it of defaming him, disparaging his reputation and seeking to undermine his 2024 candidacy. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 July 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