What does "applicant" mean?

1. (job or education) a person who formally asks for a job, a place in a school, or a loan. 2. (legal petitioner) a person who makes a formal request to a court or a government office.

How do you use "applicant"?

Often followed by the preposition 'for'. In legal contexts, this term often replaces 'plaintiff' depending on the type of court or action.

applicant

US //ˈæpɫɪkənt// UK //ˈæplɪkənt// ap·pli·cant

1 job or education (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a person who formally asks for a job, a place in a school, or a loan.

a person who submits a formal application for a position, admission, or financial assistance.

Example

The company received over two hundred applicants for the junior designer position.

Example

The admissions committee reviewed each applicant's portfolio to ensure their technical skills met the university's rigorous entry requirements.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for'.
- candidate
- bidder
- aspirant
- employer
- recruiter
2 legal petitioner (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

a person who makes a formal request to a court or a government office.

the party who brings a formal petition or request before a court or administrative body.

Example

The applicant requested a building permit to add a garage to his house.

Example

The applicant sought a judicial review of the council's decision, citing a failure to follow proper consultative procedures.

Usage

In legal contexts, this term often replaces 'plaintiff' depending on the type of court or action.
- petitioner
- claimant
- respondent

Origin

From Latin applicans, present participle of applicare. See apply.