candidatenoun [ C ]
uk/ˈkæn.dɪ.dət//ˈkæn.dɪ.deɪt/us/ˈkæn.dɪ.dət//ˈkæn.dɪ.deɪt/B2 a person who is competing to get a job or elected position:
There are three candidates standing in the election.
a person or thing considered likely to receive or experience something:
The English Department is a likely candidate for staff cuts.
B1 UK someone who is taking an exam:
Candidates must write their names on the top page of the exam paper.
More examples
- How many candidates are there for the job?
- He was a borderline candidate.
- Inexperience can work against a candidate looking for a job.
- We have interviewed some very strong candidates.
- Nine of the ten candidates were women.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Applying for a job
- anoint
- applicant
- appoint
- appointed
- appointee
- engage
- handpicked
- headhunt
- hiring
- intake
- job
- job centre
- scout
- set sb up
- step
- step into sth
- subcontract
- take sb on
- take sth on
- tender
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Voters & candidates in elections
Getting, receiving and accepting
Exams, tests & exercises