aspirant

[uh-spahyuhr-uhnt, as-per-uhnt]

noun

1. a person who aspires, as one who seeks or desires a career, advancement, status, etc..

   The aspirants for foundation grants had yet to prove themselves.

adjective

1. aspiring or seeking to attain something important or of value.

aspirant

/ ˈæspɪrənt, əˈspaɪərənt /

noun

1. a person who aspires, as to a high position

adjective

1. aspiring or striving

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspirant¹

First recorded in 1730–40; from French or directly from Latin aspīrant- (stem of aspīrāns, present participle of aspīrāre ); aspire, -ant

Example Sentences

Until then, her committee could not legitimately review possible aspirants.

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Those older members who refuse to step down have already drawn primaries from younger aspirants.

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Consulting firm Oliver Wyman recently highlighted how luxury brands are layering storytelling, immersive design, and regionally tailored products to capture discerning aspirants.

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Kelly also called former Vice President Kamala Harris “an unqualified political aspirant” because, she baselessly claimed, Harris “actually did sleep her way into and upwards in California politics.”

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The piece suggests that even progressive Democrats who publicly support female candidates may harbor “secret sexism that comes out in the privacy of the voting booth,” creating a hidden barrier for female presidential aspirants.

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Related Words

• applicant 
• candidate 
• contestant