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

She was selected to play Maria from over 30,000 applicants and won a Golden Globe for her performance in the beloved musical. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 Mar. 2025

Yet only $616 million has been awarded by 33 states to 104 applicants for 1,000 charging stations. —Bob Woods, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025

Having a nonlinear career track supports leaders being more open to a wider pool of job applicants, recognizing that talent can come from a variety of sources. —Kate Wieczorek, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

For the 2022-2023 school year, the program’s funding only covered 61% of eligible applicants attending our state colleges and universities, who received an average disbursement of $1,626. —Braulio Colón, Orlando Sentinel, 14 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