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

Warren’s appearance was part of a broader progressive push to reinforce el Sayed’s candidacy after Stevens’s defection threatened to deepen divisions among Michigan Democrats at a critical moment in the Senate contest. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026

The New York Times reported last week that campaign aides to Democratic Senate nominee Mary Peltola orchestrated the candidacy of the second Dan Sullivan after a monthslong, statewide search to recruit someone with the same name. — Jen Fifield, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026

For the third district, Oliver Gilliam, Norman Hairston and Kerry Rice filed for candidacy, according to an email from Lake County Democratic Chair Mike Repay. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Stevens lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed earlier this year, but since then had backed his candidacy. — Garrett Downs,dan Mangan, CNBC, 1 Nov. 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