Application is a versatileable to be used in many different ways or situations noun with several distinctclearly different from one another; not the same meanings. It can refer to using an idea or method, a computer program, a request for something, or the act of applyingputting or spreading something onto a surface or area a substance or force.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˌæpləˈkeɪʃən/
Easy pronunciation: ap-plə-KAY-shən (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the third syllable, with secondary stress at the beginning.
Use this for the noun meaning a formal request for something.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Application Meaning
a formal request for something
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a verbal or written request for assistance, employment, admission, or permission
Example: She submitted her job application yesterday.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Application
Meaning 2
the use of something for a specific purpose
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose
Example: The application of data analysis helped improve the results.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- practical application — Works as a substitute when referring to using an idea, method, or theory in practice.
Meaning 3
the act of putting on a substance or layer
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the work of applying something
Example: The doctor recommended a second application of the cream.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- coating — Can fit when the meaning is putting down a layer, though it is not always a perfect match.
- covering — Works in some contexts where application means a layer put onto a surface, but it is broader and less exact.
Meaning 4
a computer program
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task
Example: The app is a lightweight application for editing photos.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- application program — A direct technical synonym for software.
- applications programme — British English spelling of the same term.
Meaning 5
careful, hard work
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a diligent effort
Example: Her application to the task impressed everyone.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- diligence — A close synonym when application means steady, careful effort.
Meaning 6
the act of applying or using something in practice
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the action of putting something into operation
Example: The application of new safety rules starts next month.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Application Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- request
- form
using an idea, method, or theory in practice
- practical application
the act of putting on a substance or layer
- coating
- covering
a computer program
- application program
- applications programme
careful, hard work
- diligence
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People often confuse application meaning a request or form with application meaning a computer program.
- In technical writing, application can mean putting an idea or method into use, which is different from applying a cream or coating.
- The plural applications can mean submitted requests, computer programs, or instances of use, so context matters.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main meaning of application?
The most common everyday meaning is a formal request for something, such as a job or school place.
Is application the same as app?
Often yes in everyday speech, but app is the shorter, more casual word for a computer application.
What is the synonym of application?
It depends on the sense. For a request, a good synonym is form or request; for software, program; for effort, diligence.
What does application mean in science or business?
It usually means the use of a method, idea, or tool in practice.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.