Reapplicants

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. Individuals who submit applications again after a previous attempt, typically for jobs, schools, or programs; candidates who re-enter the selection process after an initial rejection or withdrawal; persons who reapply seeking reconsideration or admission
  2. People who attempt to gain acceptance once more by sending another application after failing or withdrawing initially; applicants who reengage in seeking a position, place, or membership by submitting new materials; contenders who repeat the application process to improve their chances
  3. Those who put forth an application for a position, course, or opportunity after a prior submission, generally following a non-successful outcome; repeat applicants aiming to be reconsidered; individuals who try again by submitting their candidacy anew

Etymology: The term "reapplicants" is a compound noun formed by adding the prefix "re-" to the base word "applicants." The prefix "re-" originates from Latin, meaning "again" or "back," and is commonly used in English to indicate repetition or returning to a previous action. "Applicants" derives from the verb "apply," which entered English in the late Middle Ages, stemming from the Latin "applicare," meaning "to attach to" or "to put into practice." The formation of this word reflects a straightforward process in English word-formation: combining a prefix with a noun to denote a specific subset of a broader category. Here, "applicants" refers to individuals who apply for something, such as a job, school admission, or grant. Adding "re-" creates a term for those who apply again after a previous attempt. While the components are common, the word itself is primarily used in administrative or institutional contexts where repeated applications occur, such as academic admissions or job recruitment. It likely emerged in the 20th century alongside formalized processes requiring multiple application rounds. There is no significant semantic shift in this formation; the meaning is transparent and directly tied to its parts. The word neatly encapsulates the concept of someone re-engaging with an application process, emphasizing the act of repetition inherent in the prefix.

Synonyms: repeat applicants, returning applicants