Work and business / B1

KAND-id-uh-t/ˈkændɪdət/

A candidate is someone trying to get a job, a course place, or a political post: a job candidate; an election candidate. In Cambridge and IELTS texts, exam candidates are the people taking the test. An applicant is close for jobs; a nominee is named by others. Stand as a candidate is British politics. Candidate for is the usual preposition.

Meaning

A person who is trying to get a job, a place on a course, or a political position.

Examples

• “There are three candidates for the manager role.”
• “Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on Monday.”
• “Exam candidates must bring photo ID.”

Good to know

job / election / exam candidate. candidate for. Job pair: applicant. British politics: stand as.

Near in meaning

applicant

Topics

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