candidacy
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
- precandidacy noun
Etymology
Origin of candidacy
Explanation
Candidacy is the campaign journey someone undertakes to be elected to a position, like running for class president or trying out for a spot on the student council. If you were to officially declare that you were running for president or any other elected position, that is the start of your candidacy. This involves promoting your ideas, convincing others to vote for you, and participating in debates or discussions. Candidacy is a vital part of democratic processes, allowing people to present their qualifications and vision. Whether in school elections or national politics, candidacy is about showing why you’re the best person for the job.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She announced her candidacy in November 2025, but Mr. Trump said only that he liked both Ms. Stefanik and her GOP opponent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
Its candidate has also been disqualified from the presidential race on the grounds that he did not have enough sponsors to back his candidacy.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Even without having Chile’s backing, Bachelet, 74, can still proceed with her candidacy, as she retains Brazil's and Mexico's backing.
From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026
Despite word that his father opposed his candidacy for fear of turning the revolutionary Islamic system of government into a hereditary one, Khamenei was for years considered a possible — perhaps even likely — successor.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026
“When your foolish act of compassion forced the Kuhani to expel you from candidacy, I thought our hopes might be dashed.”
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
