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

These reports could be used in court to document conditions the administration would cite in justifying future actions — such as country-specific travel bans, and long-term restrictions on asylum seekers, refugees or visa applicants. —Brittany Gibson, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025

Fry, a Del Mar resident since 2021, was the only applicant for the vacancy, according to a city staff report. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025

Required on the application: the names of all adjacent landowners; disclosure if the applicant donated money to a county official; design of barns; their distance from neighboring homes and other buildings; and the farm’s waste management plan. —Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025

To receive a permit, applicants must undergo fingerprinting and a background check. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 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