applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈa-pli-kənt 

: one who applies

a job applicant

Synonyms

• applier
• aspirant
• campaigner
• candidate
• contender
• expectant
• hopeful
• prospect
• seeker

Examples of applicant in a Sentence

We interviewed 30 qualified applicants for the job.

have numerous applicants for the job

Recent Examples on the Web

The Legislature also removed the match requirement for low-income applicants. —Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025

In Finland, the advisory warns that U.S. authorities may deny entry if the gender on an applicant's passport differs from the gender listed at birth. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

The application form includes questions the insurance company deems necessary to properly underwrite the risk (for example, questions about the applicant’s loss history). —Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Brown had accepted 18% of its early decision applicants for the Class of 2029, the widest acceptance rate in six years. —Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

applicate "to apply, put to use" (borrowed from Latin applicātus, past participle of applicāre "to bring into contact [with], situate near, bring to bear [on]") + -ant entry 1 — more at apply

First Known Use

circa 1742, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈap-li-kənt 

: one who applies for something

an applicant for work