candidacy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal
Quick answer
What does “candidacy” mean?
The state or condition of being a candidate, especially for election to a political office.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state or condition of being a candidate, especially for election to a political office.
The formal period, status, or process of seeking or being considered for a position, role, or honor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or form. In British English, 'candidature' is a common synonym, whereas in American English, 'candidacy' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Connotations
Identical connotations of competition and formal process in both varieties.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English due to the primary synonym in British English being 'candidature'.
Grammar
How to Use “candidacy” in a Sentence
candidacy for + [position][possessive] candidacythe candidacy of + [person]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “candidacy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No verb form. The related verb is 'to stand' (for election).
- He decided to candidate himself (non-standard).
American English
- No verb form. The related verb is 'to run' (for office).
- She plans to candidate (non-standard).
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No direct adjective. Use 'candidate' attributively: 'candidate status'.
- The candidacy application was lengthy.
American English
- No direct adjective. Use 'candidate' attributively: 'candidate forum'.
- Her candidacy announcement was televised.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for internal promotions or board positions, e.g., 'Her candidacy for the directorship was well-received.'
Academic
Used for fellowships, PhD applications, or academic posts, e.g., 'He submitted his candidacy for the research fellowship.'
Everyday
Less common, but used in local community or club elections.
Technical
Primarily political science and HR terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “candidacy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “candidacy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “candidacy”
- Using 'candidatecy' (incorrect spelling). Confusing it with 'candidate' (the person). Using it in overly informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are synonyms. 'Candidacy' is standard in American English. 'Candidature' is common in British English, though 'candidacy' is also understood. In formal British contexts, 'candidature' is often preferred.
Yes. It is correctly used for any formally sought position, such as a job, award, scholarship, fellowship, or membership in an organisation.
It is grammatically possible but unnatural. More natural phrasing is 'I am a candidate' or 'I have submitted my candidacy'.
'For' is the standard preposition (e.g., candidacy for president). Occasionally 'of' is used in a descriptive phrase (e.g., the candidacy of the independent candidate).
The state or condition of being a candidate, especially for election to a political office.
Candidacy is usually formal in register.
Candidacy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæn.dɪ.də.si/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæn.dɪ.də.si/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw one's hat in the ring (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CAN I be a candidate?' -> CANDIDACY. It's the 'state' of being a candidate.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL RACE / COMPETITION (e.g., entering a race, being in the running).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most appropriate use of 'candidacy'?