application
gb/ˌæplɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌæplɪkˈeɪʃən/
A2
English
~ 700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Formal request for something
A formal way to ask for something, usually in writing or online.
Usage pattern:
an application for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'application' with 'apply'. 'Application' is the noun; 'apply' is the verb.
Synonyms
request (More general; not necessarily formal or written.)
|
petition (Often used in legal or public contexts; can involve multiple signers.)
Antonyms
withdrawal (The act of taking back a request or removing oneself from consideration.)
Collocations
job application
|college application
|application form
|submit an application
|application process
Themes
business
|education
|daily life
|work
Examples
- She submitted her job application yesterday.
- The university received thousands of applications this year.
- Please complete the application form before the deadline.
- They rejected his application due to incomplete information.
- I need to fill out an application for a new passport.
Learner examples
- I sent my job application to the company.
- He filled out the application form.
- She made an application for a visa.
- We must send the application before Friday.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Computer program for a task
A program you use on a computer or phone to do a certain job.
Usage pattern:
download/install/run an application
Common mistake:
Some learners may not realize 'application' and 'app' mean the same thing in tech contexts.
Synonyms
app (Informal and shortened form, especially for mobile devices.)
Antonyms
system software (Software that runs the computer itself, not specific user tasks.)
Collocations
mobile application
|web application
|desktop application
|install an application
|open an application
Themes
technology
|daily life
Examples
- This mobile application helps you track your expenses.
- The company is developing a new web application.
- You need to install the latest version of the application.
- I deleted the old application to free up space.
- The photo editing application has many useful features.
Learner examples
- I use this application to learn English.
- He downloaded a new game application.
- She opened the music application on her phone.
- This application helps me find buses.
Noun
B1
action
3
Act of using something
The act of using something for a purpose.
Usage pattern:
the application of [something] to [something]
Synonyms
use (More general and everyday; less formal than 'application'.)
Antonyms
misuse (Using something in the wrong or harmful way.)
Collocations
practical application
|application of technology
|application in real life
Themes
science
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This theory has practical applications in engineering.
- The application of this technique improved results.
- We discussed the applications of solar power in agriculture.
- His research focuses on real-world applications of mathematics.
- Proper application of sunscreen can prevent sunburn.
Learner examples
- This idea has many applications in science.
- The application of heat changed the color.
- We learned about the applications of robots.
- This machine has many applications.
Noun
B1
action
4
Spreading something onto surface
The act of putting something like paint or cream onto something else.
Usage pattern:
application of [substance] to [surface]
Synonyms
spreading (General term for covering an area with something.)
Antonyms
removal (Taking off what was applied.)
Collocations
application of paint
|application of lotion
|application of fertilizer
Themes
daily life
|daily_life
Examples
- The smooth application of paint requires skill.
- This cream needs daily application to be effective.
- The farmer ensured even application of fertilizer across the field.
- Careful application of glue will prevent messes.
- Make sure the application is even before it dries.
Learner examples
- I made one application of paint to the wall.
- This cream needs one application each day.
- The teacher showed the correct application of glue.
- He used careful application of oil.
Grammar
Dictionary form
application
IPA
GB/ˌæplɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/ˌæplɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
ap - plic - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: application
- Plural: application, applications
Word family
Forms
applications
noun
Core family
Related words
app
noun B1
applied
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
inapplicable
adjective
Advanced or less common
applicability
noun
Expressions
application form
1/ˌæplɪkˈeɪʃən fˈɔɹm/
fixed phrase
Form used for official request
A paper or online form you fill in to ask for something officially.
Examples
- Please complete the application form carefully.
- You can download the application form from our website.
job application
1/d͡ʒˈɑb ˌæplɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Request for employment in writing
A form or letter you send to ask for a job.
Examples
- I sent my job application last week.
- Her job application was accepted by the company.
submit an application
1/sʌbmˈɪt ən ˌæplɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Send a formal request to be considered
To give your completed request form to someone who will decide about it.
Examples
- You must submit your application before April 1st.
- He submitted an application for the grant yesterday.