Words / B2

APL-ik-uh-nt/ˈæplɪkənt/

An applicant is a person who applies for a job, course, or place. Candidate is close, especially after a shortlist; candidate can also mean someone standing for election. Apply is the verb; application is the form or process. Applicant is the neutral official word on adverts and portals. In speech, people applying is fine.

Meaning

A person who applies for a job, course, or place.

Examples

• “There were fifty applicants for the job.”
• “Successful applicants will hear by Friday.”
• “Each applicant must upload a short writing sample.”

Good to know

an applicant for a job/course. Verb: apply. Noun: application. Close: candidate (often later in the process).

Near in meaning

candidate

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