What does application mean?
Application is a versatile noun with several closely related senses that all trace back to the idea of putting something to work. Most familiarly, it denotes a formal request — for a job, a place at university, a grant, or a licence — typically submitted through a form or letter. In computing, it refers to a program designed to carry out specific tasks for users, from word processors to mobile apps. More broadly, application means the act of applying knowledge, rules, or substances in practice: a scientific theory finds application in engineering, and a cream is applied to the skin. A fourth, somewhat old-fashioned sense describes sustained diligence and concentration applied to study or work. The word carries a neutral-to-positive connotation, suggesting purposefulness and effort. Its ubiquity across professional, academic, and technological contexts makes it one of the most practically useful words in English.
A formal request for employment, admission, funding, or another position or benefit.
"She submitted her application to the graduate programme before the January deadline."
A computer program designed to perform a particular set of tasks for the user.
"The team released a new photo-editing application for both iOS and Android."
The act of putting a principle, skill, or substance into practical use or effect.
"The new teaching method showed real application in classrooms across the district."
Sustained diligence and concentrated effort directed at a task or study.
"His teachers praised his remarkable application throughout the examination year."
This sense is now relatively uncommon and sounds slightly formal or old-fashioned in American English.
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple requests, programs, or instances of use.
"The university received over forty thousand applications this year."
The word on your phone screen — 'app' — is just a 1980s-style abbreviation of a Latin-rooted word that has been meaning 'a formal request' since Shakespeare's era.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of application
Application derives from the Latin applicatio, from applicare, meaning 'to attach to' or 'to bring into contact with', itself formed from ad- ('to, toward') plus plicare ('to fold'). The verb apply entered English via Old French in the late medieval period, and the noun application followed, with its senses of practical use and formal request developing by the early modern period. Cognates sharing the same Latin root include implication, complication, and replication, all built on plicare's idea of folding or layering.
Related word forms
How application is actually used
In everyday modern usage, the software sense dominates casual conversation ('apps'), while the request sense dominates formal contexts such as employment and admissions. The older sense of diligent mental effort survives mainly in British English and in literary or evaluative writing about character.
Easily confused with application
An 'app' is the informal short form referring specifically to a software program, whereas 'application' also covers requests and the general act of putting something to use.
An applicant is the person making a request, while an application is the document or process itself.