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application

n.
US //ˌæpɫəˈkeɪʃən// UK //ˌæplɪkˈeɪʃən// ap·pli·ca·tion
  1. 1 formal request (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a formal written request for a job, a place at a school, or a loan.

    a formal, typically written, request for assistance, employment, or admission to an institution.

    Example

    She spent all weekend completing her application for the marketing position.

    Example

    The admissions office received over five thousand applications for the doctoral programme, necessitating a rigorous multi-stage screening process.

    Usage

    Often takes the preposition 'for' followed by the goal, or 'to' followed by the institution.
    Pitfall
    I made an application for the job.
    I sent in an application for the job.

    While 'made' is understood, common collocations for application include 'submit', 'send in', or 'complete'.

  2. 2 software (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a computer program designed to do a specific task, often called an 'app'.

    a software program or set of programs designed for end-users to perform specific functional tasks.

    Example

    You can download the banking application from the official store.

    Example

    The developer released a cross-platform application that synchronises user data across mobile devices and desktop workstations seamlessly.

    Usage

    Commonly shortened to 'app' in informal and semi-formal contexts.
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  1. 3 putting something on (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of putting a substance like paint, cream, or medicine onto a surface.

    the act of spreading or laying a substance onto a surface; also refers to the layer of substance itself.

    Example

    The instructions say the cream requires a second application after ten minutes.

    Example

    A single application of the waterproof sealant is usually sufficient to protect the timber from seasonal moisture damage.
  2. 4 practical use (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the practical use of an idea, rule, or discovery in a real situation.

    the practical employment or relevance of a theory, law, or principle to a specific case or circumstances.

    Example

    The new technology has many useful applications in the medical field.

    Example

    The theoretical framework developed in the first chapter finds its practical application in the case studies presented later in the report.
  3. 5 hard work (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of working very hard and staying focused on a task.

    sustained effort and diligent attention to a task or study.

    Example

    With enough application and practice, you can master any musical instrument.

    Example

    The tutor noted that while the student was naturally gifted, he lacked the consistent application required for advanced research.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is quite formal; in everyday English, speakers usually prefer 'hard work' or 'dedication'.
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd Proto-Italic *ad Proto-Italic *ad- Latin ad- Proto-Indo-European *pel- Proto-Indo-European *pleḱ-der. Latin plicō Latin applicō Proto-Indo-European *-tisder. Proto-Italic *-tjō Latin -tiō Latin applicātiōbor. Old French aplicacionbor. Middle English applicacioun English application From Late Middle English applicacioun, borrowed from Old French aplicacion (French application), from Latin applicātiōnem, accusative singular of applicātiō (“attachment; application, inclination”), from applicō (“join to, attach; apply”). Equivalent to apply + -ication.

Word family
  • NounAPP
  • Nounapplication

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