applicant
gb/ˈæplɪkənt/ us/ˈæplɪkənt/
B1
English
~ 3800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
person applying for something
A person who asks in a formal way to get a job, place at a school, or other chance.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is an applicant for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'applicant' with 'application'. 'Applicant' refers to the person; 'application' refers to the form or request they submit.
Synonyms
candidate (Often used interchangeably, but 'candidate' can also refer to someone already being considered, not just those who have applied.)
|
contender (Less formal; often used in competitive contexts beyond formal applications.)
Antonyms
employer (In the context of jobs, the employer is the one offering the position, opposite of the applicant.)
|
incumbent (Refers to someone already holding the position, opposite of someone applying for it.)
Collocations
job applicant
|college applicant
|loan applicant
|qualified applicant
|prospective applicant
Themes
business
|education
|employment
|work
Examples
- The company received over 200 applicants for the marketing position.
- Each applicant must submit a resume and cover letter by Friday.
- The university interviews all qualified applicants before making a decision.
- Several applicants were shortlisted for the scholarship.
- The visa office processed the documents of each applicant carefully.
Learner examples
- She is an applicant for the new job.
- The school will meet all applicants next week.
- Each applicant must fill out this form.
- The bank spoke to three loan applicants.
- We have many applicants for this class.
Grammar
Dictionary form
applicant
IPA
GB/ˈæplɪkənt/
US/ˈæplɪkənt/
Syllables & stress
ap - plic - ant (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ap)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: applicant
- Plural: applicants
Word family
Forms
applicants
noun
Core family
apply
verb A2
application
noun A2
Related words
applicable
adjective B2
applied
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
inapplicable
adjective
Advanced or less common
applicability
noun
Expressions
college applicant
1/kˈɑlɪd͡ʒ ˈæplɪkənt/
fixed phrase
person applying to college
A person who asks to join a college or university.
Examples
- The number of college applicants has increased this year.
- Each college applicant must submit two reference letters.
job applicant
1/d͡ʒˈɑb ˈæplɪkənt/
fixed phrase
person applying for a job
A person who wants and asks to get a job.
Examples
- The company interviewed five job applicants yesterday.
- Job applicants should bring copies of their resumes to the interview.
loan applicant
1/lˈoʊn ˈæplɪkənt/
fixed phrase
person applying for a loan
A person who asks a bank or other lender for money.
Examples
- Loan applicants must provide proof of income.
- The bank approved only half of the loan applicants.