1. people who hope to achieve something, especially success in a competition or career
Usage: plural form of ‘hopeful’

Examples

• The Olympic hopefuls trained for years to make the team.
• Several political hopefuls announced their candidacy for mayor.
• Young hopefuls auditioned for roles in the Broadway musical.
• The scholarship committee interviewed dozens of hopefuls.
• Presidential hopefuls began campaigning early for the election.
• Acting hopefuls moved to Hollywood to pursue their dreams.