applicant
An applicant is a person who officially asks for something, like a job or a spot in a school.
Explanation at your level:
An applicant is a person who wants a job. You fill out a form to become an applicant. It is like saying, 'Please, can I have this job?' to a boss.
When you want to go to a new school or get a new job, you are an applicant. You send your information to the company. They look at all the applicants and choose the best one.
An applicant is someone who formally applies for a position. You might be a job applicant or a university applicant. The process usually involves a resume or an interview. Being an applicant means you are waiting for a decision.
In professional contexts, an applicant is a candidate who has submitted documentation for review. Organizations often manage a large 'applicant pool' to find the most suitable person. The term implies a formal selection process where the applicant's skills are measured against the requirements of the role.
The term applicant carries a nuance of submission and evaluation. It is the status of an individual during the interval between their formal request and the final decision. In academic and corporate settings, the term is used to maintain a professional distance, emphasizing that the individual is currently under assessment by the institution.
Historically rooted in the concept of 'applying' or 'attaching' oneself to a cause or organization, applicant has become a cornerstone of institutional vocabulary. It denotes a specific social role: the person who petitions for inclusion. Whether in legal, academic, or professional spheres, the applicant is the active agent in a bureaucratic process, navigating the criteria set forth by the evaluator. Understanding this term is essential for navigating modern professional hierarchies and the formal 'gatekeeping' mechanisms of society.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A person who formally requests something.
- Commonly used in jobs and admissions.
- It is a countable noun.
- It implies a selection process.
Think of an applicant as someone who has raised their hand and said, 'I would like to be part of this!' Whether it is for a dream job, a university program, or even a bank loan, the word implies that you have moved past just thinking about it and have taken the formal step of applying.
When you become an applicant, you enter a special stage of waiting and evaluation. You have handed over your credentials, and now the organization is looking at your information to decide if you are the right fit. It is a very common word in the professional world, and you will hear it used constantly in HR departments and admissions offices.
The word applicant comes from the Latin word applicare, which means 'to join, attach, or connect.' It is easy to see the connection: when you apply for something, you are trying to attach yourself to a new group or organization.
The word entered English in the 17th century. Originally, it was used more broadly for anyone who made a request or petition. Over time, it narrowed down to specifically describe people seeking jobs or academic spots. It is a great example of how language evolves from a general action to a specific professional label.
You will mostly see applicant in formal or semi-formal settings. You would say, 'The company received many qualified applicants,' rather than saying 'many people who want the job.' It sounds much more professional.
Common collocations include successful applicant, potential applicant, and job applicant. Using these phrases helps you sound like you know the standard business language of the English-speaking world. It is definitely a 'register' word—use it in your cover letter, but maybe not when chatting with friends at a cafe!
While 'applicant' itself isn't the core of many idioms, it is often associated with phrases like:
- Throw your hat in the ring: To become an applicant for a position.
- Shortlist of applicants: The group of people who passed the first round of evaluation.
- The applicant pool: The total group of people who have applied.
- Screening applicants: The process of reviewing resumes.
- A strong candidate: Often used interchangeably with applicant to describe someone likely to succeed.
Grammatically, applicant is a countable noun. You can have one applicant or many applicants. It is almost always preceded by an article (an applicant, the applicant).
Pronunciation-wise, the stress is on the first syllable: AP-pli-cant. In both British and American English, the IPA is roughly /ˈæplɪkənt/. It rhymes with words like supplicant or trafficant. Pay attention to the 'a' sound at the start, which is a crisp, short 'a' like in 'apple.'
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'appliance'!
Pronunciation Guide
Crisp 'a', stress on first.
Similar to UK, clear 't' at the end.
Common Errors
- Misplacing stress
- Swallowing the 't'
- Mispronouncing the 'i'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very standard word.
Useful for professional writing.
Good for interviews.
Common in news.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Articles (A/An)
An applicant
Countable Nouns
Applicants
Subject-Verb Agreement
The applicant is
Examples by Level
He is a job applicant.
He wants a job.
Subject + is + noun.
The applicant is happy.
The person is glad.
The + noun.
I am an applicant.
I am applying.
Use 'an' before vowels.
She is a good applicant.
She is a strong person.
Adjective + noun.
Many applicants are here.
A lot of people.
Plural noun.
The applicant has a pen.
He has a tool.
Subject + has.
Are you an applicant?
Question form.
Question structure.
The applicant waits now.
He is waiting.
Third person singular.
The applicant sent a resume.
There are ten applicants for the job.
The university reviews every applicant.
She became a successful applicant.
Every applicant must sign the form.
The manager called the applicant.
Being an applicant can be stressful.
The applicant waited for a reply.
The company is interviewing every qualified applicant.
As an applicant, you should dress professionally.
The applicant pool was very large this year.
She was the only applicant with experience.
The applicant's skills were impressive.
They notified the applicant by email.
The applicant withdrew his request.
Most applicants have a college degree.
The HR department is currently screening all applicants.
The successful applicant will start on Monday.
We had to reject several applicants due to lack of experience.
The applicant demonstrated great potential during the interview.
Each applicant must submit a portfolio of their work.
The process for an applicant can take several weeks.
They compared the applicant to the job requirements.
The applicant's background check was clear.
The sheer volume of applicants made the selection process arduous.
The applicant's credentials were cross-referenced with the database.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend the information session.
The applicant was shortlisted based on their unique skill set.
The hiring manager scrutinized every applicant's cover letter.
An applicant must demonstrate a high degree of proficiency.
The applicant's enthusiasm was evident throughout the process.
The committee deliberated on each applicant's suitability.
The applicant's petition for admission was ultimately successful.
In the competitive landscape of the industry, the applicant stood out.
The bureaucratic nature of the system often frustrates the applicant.
The applicant's narrative was compelling and well-articulated.
The institution maintains a rigorous standard for every applicant.
The applicant's profile was meticulously analyzed by the board.
The applicant sought to align their goals with the organization's mission.
The applicant's journey from submission to acceptance was long.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"in the running"
Being a candidate for something.
She is in the running for the promotion.
neutral"throw one's hat in the ring"
To announce you are an applicant.
He threw his hat in the ring for mayor.
idiomatic"shortlist"
The final group of applicants.
He made the shortlist.
business"the cream of the crop"
The best applicants.
We only hire the cream of the crop.
idiomatic"first come, first served"
Applied to applicants in order.
The tickets are first come, first served.
neutral"the ball is in their court"
Waiting for the applicant to reply.
We sent the offer; the ball is in their court.
idiomaticEasily Confused
Both mean someone seeking a role.
Candidate is slightly more common in politics/elections.
The presidential candidate.
Same root.
Appliance is a machine.
The kitchen appliance.
Same root.
Application is the document.
Submit your application.
Both are selected.
Nominee is suggested by someone else.
The award nominee.
Sentence Patterns
The applicant for [X] is [Y].
The applicant for the job is qualified.
We have [number] applicants.
We have five applicants.
The applicant must [verb].
The applicant must sign here.
As an applicant, I [verb].
As an applicant, I feel nervous.
The applicant was [adjective].
The applicant was rejected.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Applier is not standard English.
Redundant, applicant already means person.
Needs an article.
Spelling error.
Article mismatch.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine an 'Apple' on a 'Cant' (can't) stand.
Professionalism
Always use it in emails to HR.
Gatekeeping
Think of it as a gatekeeper term.
Articles
Always use 'an' because it starts with A.
Stress
Hit the first syllable hard.
Don't use 'Applier'
It sounds unprofessional.
Latin Roots
It means to attach.
Flashcards
Put 'Applicant' on one side, 'Job seeker' on other.
Formal Tone
Use it to sound more objective.
Clarity
Use it to clarify who is who in a process.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
APPLY + CANT (I can't wait to hear back!)
Visual Association
A person holding a stack of papers in a line.
Word Web
Challenge
Write a fake cover letter using the word.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: To join or attach
Cultural Context
None, very neutral.
Very common in corporate and academic cultures.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Hiring
- Reviewing applicants
- Qualified applicants
- Applicant pool
University
- Admissions applicant
- Prospective applicant
- Applicant file
Loans
- Loan applicant
- Credit check
- Applicant history
Government
- Visa applicant
- Citizenship applicant
- Formal petition
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever been an applicant for a job you really wanted?"
"What makes a good applicant in your opinion?"
"How do you prepare when you are an applicant?"
"Is it hard to be an applicant in your country?"
"What is the first thing you look for in an applicant?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were an applicant.
How did you feel while waiting for the result?
What advice would you give to a future applicant?
Why do companies need so many applicants?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, always.
Yes, a loan applicant.
Yes, applicants.
Yes, usually.
No, that would be weird.
No, an applicant wants to be one.
No, it is a noun.
A-P-P-L-I-C-A-N-T.
Test Yourself
The ___ is waiting for the job.
Context is about jobs.
What is an applicant?
Definition match.
An applicant is the one doing the hiring.
The applicant is the one asking for the job.
Word
Meaning
Matching roles.
The applicant passed the interview.
Score: /5
Summary
An applicant is someone who has officially asked to be part of something, marking the start of a formal evaluation process.
- A person who formally requests something.
- Commonly used in jobs and admissions.
- It is a countable noun.
- It implies a selection process.
Memory Palace
Imagine an 'Apple' on a 'Cant' (can't) stand.
Professionalism
Always use it in emails to HR.
Gatekeeping
Think of it as a gatekeeper term.
Articles
Always use 'an' because it starts with A.
Example
The applicant waited nervously in the lobby for her interview to start.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More Work words
abformize
C1To structure or give a specific, standardized form to an object, idea, or process, often based on a pre-existing model or mold. It is frequently used in technical or theoretical contexts to describe the transition from an amorphous state to a defined configuration.
abmissery
C1To formally discharge or release an individual from a specific duty, mission, or administrative post, typically due to a failure to meet requirements or an organizational change. It implies a structured removal from a position of responsibility before the natural conclusion of a term.
abregship
C1To systematically condense, streamline, or narrow the scope of duties and authorities inherent in a formal leadership position or institutional office. This verb is typically used in the context of organizational restructuring to describe the reduction of a role's breadth to increase efficiency.
absigntude
C1To formally and publicly relinquish a position of authority or a professional responsibility, specifically as an act of moral or ethical protest. This verb implies that the departure is accompanied by a documented statement of principles or a refusal to comply with compromised standards.
accomplishment
B2An accomplishment is something that has been achieved successfully, especially through hard work, skill, or perseverance. It refers both to the act of finishing a task and the successful result itself.
achievement
C1A thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill. In an academic or professional context, it refers to the act of reaching a specific level of performance or completing a significant milestone.
adantiary
C1To strategically adjust or modify an existing plan, process, or structure in anticipation of specific future obstacles or changes. This verb describes the proactive act of refining a strategy before a problem actually occurs.
adept
C1Highly skilled or proficient at a task that requires specific knowledge or practice. It describes a person who can perform complex actions with ease and precision.
adflexship
C1To strategically and dynamically adapt one's professional approach or methodology by flexibly integrating new skills or environmental shifts. It describes the active process of mastering situational changes to maintain a competitive or functional advantage.
adhument
C1To provide support, assistance, or reinforcement to a person, organization, or project. It specifically refers to the act of strengthening an existing foundation or effort through additional resources or effort.
