speculative applications

Noun

speculative application (plural speculative applications)

1. An application for a job with an employer who is not currently advertising any vacancies.
   • When writing a speculative application, it is best to find out the name of the company's personnel manager.2011, Stephen Ling, Graduate Job Search
2. An application for something (such as a permit) that one does not yet know that one definitely needs or that one does not necessarily qualify to receive.
   • This speculative application by guides may result in more guided use being assigned than actually demanded. If launches are limited in the future, speculative application by guide services could displace non-commercial users.2001, John Day River Proposed Management Plan, page 332
3. An application or use for something that is not known to actually work.
   • Present, future, and speculative applications are summarized in table 5.1.1974, John E. Harry, Industrial Lasers and Their Applications, page 96