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

And for the first time, applicants for permanent residency will be evaluated based on their Japanese language skills as well as their grasp of rules and customs. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Tokyo Enmusubi applicants must complete an online interview, on top of photo identification, proof of income and single status. — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Caputo vowed to prevent such pitfalls, with intelligence and financial oversight agencies helping to vet applicants' identities, criminal records and sources of funds. — Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

Caputo vowed to prevent such pitfalls, with intelligence and financial oversight agencies helping to vet applicants’ identities, criminal records and sources of funds. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 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