applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈa-pli-kənt 

: one who applies

a job applicant

Synonyms of applicant

• candidate

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

But some Evanston residents argue that the city overlooked eligible applicants in earlier rounds of funding. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

Schools will compete more aggressively for a smaller pool of applicants, which will mean offering more generous financial aid packages and, as a result, less revenue. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 May 2026

Everyone should learn of the Bail Project, a nonprofit which helps applicants pay their bail and get released until their trial date, which may be far in the future. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026

In a separate response to a Democratic congresswoman’s inquiry, DHS reported conflicting numbers saying that 270 were arrested and 174 DACA applicants were removed in the first nine months of 2025. —ABC News, 1 May 2026

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