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

States would also need to verify that applicants meet requirements for one or more consecutive months prior to coverage, while also conducting redeterminations at least twice per year to ensure individuals who are already covered still comply with the requirements. —Greg Iacurci,lorie Konish, CNBC, 6 June 2025

The lawsuit accused the company of unfairly rejecting minority applicants based on criminal background checks. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025

Real estate broker in prison One of the loan applicants who paid Lorquet a kickback was Daniela Rendon, who immigrated to the United States a decade ago, according to court records. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025

One was technical: Any two founding members could block a new applicant from joining. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 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