applicant
noun
ap·pli·cant ˈa-pli-kənt 
: one who applies
a job applicant
Synonyms
- applier
- aspirant
- campaigner
- candidate
- contender
- expectant
- hopeful
- prospect
- seeker
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
We interviewed 30 qualified applicants for the job. have numerous applicants for the job
Recent Examples on the Web Unlike the county’s previous assistance program, a landlord’s participation is not required for an applicant to receive aid. 
Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2022 One of the most important qualities for any applicant will be a thick skin. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 18 Aug. 2022 One applicant was a doctor, although that person was deemed unqualified by the department of human resources. Jason Fontelieu, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2022 Tech job openings have grown 81% over the past two years, yet the median applicant pool has shrunk by 39%. Max Nirenberg, Forbes, 6 May 2022 Research published in Harvard Business Review found that when a final candidate pool has only one minority applicant, that person has a statistically nonexistent chance of being hired. Courtney Holden, Outside Online, 11 Mar. 2022 In any case, an applicant’s odds of receiving an offer can be diminished by a headshot that doesn’t match the picture in the boss’s mind. Callum Borchers, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022 To be eligible, an applicant must have worked between March 10, 2020 and May 7, 2022. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2022 And the instructors explained concepts such as debt, bankruptcy, property liens and fraud — and why such financial woes could, according to the department, indicate a lack of integrity on an applicant’s part. David Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2022 See More
Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2022 One of the most important qualities for any applicant will be a thick skin. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 18 Aug. 2022 One applicant was a doctor, although that person was deemed unqualified by the department of human resources. Jason Fontelieu, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2022 Tech job openings have grown 81% over the past two years, yet the median applicant pool has shrunk by 39%. Max Nirenberg, Forbes, 6 May 2022 Research published in Harvard Business Review found that when a final candidate pool has only one minority applicant, that person has a statistically nonexistent chance of being hired. Courtney Holden, Outside Online, 11 Mar. 2022 In any case, an applicant’s odds of receiving an offer can be diminished by a headshot that doesn’t match the picture in the boss’s mind. Callum Borchers, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022 To be eligible, an applicant must have worked between March 10, 2020 and May 7, 2022. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2022 And the instructors explained concepts such as debt, bankruptcy, property liens and fraud — and why such financial woes could, according to the department, indicate a lack of integrity on an applicant’s part. David Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2022 See More 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 ˈa-pli-kənt
: a person who applies for something (as a job)
applicant
noun
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award have numerous applicants for the job Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- candidate
- contender
- aspirant
- seeker
- nominee
- hopeful
- competitor
- campaigner
- claimant
- expectant
- contestant
- entrant
- applier
- prospect
- entry
- qualifier
- favorite
- crown prince
- pretender
- stalking horse
- running mate
- favorite son
- dark horse
- spoiler
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- incumbent
- awardee
- officeholder
- noncandidate
- inductee
- honoree
- dropout