applicant
AP-luh-kihnt
Applicant (noun) means someone who formally requests something, such as a job, loan, or place at a school. Example: “Over two hundred applicants applied for the position.”
noun
1
Someone who formally requests something, such as a job, loan, or place at a school.
"Over two hundred applicants applied for the position."
"The visa applicant had to provide several documents."
"Each applicant must fill in the form and attach a recent photograph."
How to use applicant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person applying for a job, place, loan, or similar.
Common pairings
successful applicant
shortlist applicants
job applicant
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Word forms
- Plural
- applicants
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Over two hundred _____ applied for the position.
Etymology
From Latin applicans, the present participle of applicare, "to apply."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for applicant
See all rhymes for applicant →Frequently asked questions
What does “applicant” mean?
The word “applicant” means someone who formally requests something, such as a job, loan, or place at a school. In plain terms, a person applying for a job, place, loan, or similar.
How do you pronounce “applicant”?
“Applicant” is pronounced AP-luh-kihnt (/ˈæp.lə.kɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “applicant” in a sentence?
Here is “applicant” used in a sentence: “Over two hundred applicants applied for the position.”
What part of speech is “applicant”?
“Applicant” is a noun.
Where does the word “applicant” come from?
The word “applicant” comes from Latin. From Latin applicans, the present participle of applicare, "to apply.".
Is “applicant” a common word?
“Applicant” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an applicant and a candidate?
An applicant is someone who formally requests something, such as a job, loan, or place at a school, simply by submitting an application. A candidate often implies the person has advanced further in a selection process, such as being shortlisted or interviewed. All candidates for a position typically started as applicants, but not every applicant becomes a candidate.
What is an applicant in the context of a loan or visa?
In these contexts, an applicant is the person formally requesting the loan, visa, or other benefit from the institution or authority processing the request. The term applies broadly whenever someone submits a formal request, whether for a job, financial product, or place at a school.
Is applicant used only for job seekers?
No, applicant is not limited to job seekers; it describes anyone who formally requests something, including a loan, a place at a school, or other benefits. The common thread is the act of making a formal request, regardless of what is being requested.
