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Definition of candidacy

candidacy

/ˈkæn.dɪ.də.si/
can · di · da · cy
Plural:candidacies
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candidacy Lexical Profile

candidacy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state, condition, or status of being a candidate for an elected office, job position, honor, or academic degree.

Example

"She officially announced her candidacy for the senate seat during a press conference yesterday."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for candidacy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for candidacy

Word Nuance & Usage

"Candidacy" is the preferred term in American and Canadian English, whereas "candidature" is much more common in British, Australian, and New Zealand English.

• Rhymes for candidacy

• Nearby Words

candelabra
candelabrum
candid
candidacy
candidate
candidature
candidly

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from "candidate" and the suffix "-cy". "Candidate" traces back to the Latin "candidatus" (meaning "clothed in white"), referring to the bleached white togas worn by office-seekers in ancient Rome to symbolize purity and integrity.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Candidacy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/candidacy
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