Meaning & use
application process
Last updated
Meaning
nounsingular
The series of steps a person must follow to apply for a job, school, visa, or similar opportunity.
Grammar: Usually used with 'the' or 'a': the application process, a long application process.
Patterns
- go through the application process
- complete the application process
- part of the application process
The application process for the graduate program takes about three months.
You can track your status online during the application process.
A clear application process helps candidates know what to expect.
Common combinations
- go through the application process
- All candidates must go through the application process before interviewing.
- complete the application process
- She completed the application process in just two weeks.
- lengthy application process
- The lengthy application process discouraged some applicants.
- simplify the application process
- The university simplified the application process by removing one essay.
Synonyms and how they differ
- application procedure
- More formal and often used in official documents; 'application process' is more common in everyday speech.
- admissions process
- Specifically for schools and universities; 'application process' is broader and can refer to jobs, visas, etc.
Word family
- apply verb
- To make a formal request for something.
- applicant noun
- A person who applies for something.
- application noun
- The act of applying or the form you fill in.
Commonly confused: application process or application form?
application process vs application form
An 'application form' is just the document you fill in; the 'application process' includes the form and all other steps.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'application process' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Application process' is a noun phrase and works as the subject or object: 'The application process ... was complicated.' The other options treat it as a verb, which is wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “application process”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.