can·di·date 
/ˈkændəˌdeɪt, ˈkændədət/ noun
plural can·di·dates /ˈkændəˌdeɪt, ˈkændədət/ noun [count] 1 : a person who is trying to be elected
▪ a presidential candidate ▪ the leading Democratic/Republican candidates — often + for ▪ a candidate for governor 2 a : a person who is being considered for a job, position, award, etc.
▪ Candidates can apply in person or send a resume. — often + for ▪ He seemed like an unlikely candidate for the job. ▪ Our son is a candidate for the Player of the Year award.
b : a person who meets all the requirements for something — often + for ▪ She is a good candidate for laser surgery. [=she meets all the conditions to have laser surgery] 3 : a student in the process of meeting final requirements for a degree
▪ a Ph.D. candidate in linguistics ▪ The program has several doctoral candidates. 4 Brit : someone who is taking an exam
▪ Three out of four candidates passed the exam.
▪ a presidential candidate ▪ the leading Democratic/Republican candidates — often + for ▪ a candidate for governor
▪ Candidates can apply in person or send a resume. — often + for ▪ He seemed like an unlikely candidate for the job. ▪ Our son is a candidate for the Player of the Year award.
b : a person who meets all the requirements for something — often + for ▪ She is a good candidate for laser surgery. [=she meets all the conditions to have laser surgery]
▪ a Ph.D. candidate in linguistics ▪ The program has several doctoral candidates.
▪ Three out of four candidates passed the exam.
