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 move also comes after Hochul endorsed socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in his 2025 candidacy, as Mamdani has made many in the Big Apple’s financial and business sectors worried about the impacts of his socialist policies on business. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026

Jackson was a latecomer to the governor's race, going from announcing his candidacy to being the Republican nominee in just five months. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

His candidacy was, in some respects, a test run for what might work with the next generation of Republican voters. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026

Jolly’s candidacy will test whether Democrats can rebuild after eight years of DeSantis in power. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 19 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