would-be
English
Adjective
would-be (not comparable)
- Attempting or desiring something.
- Would-be marines have to get through a rigorous examination.
- 2019 May 9, Edward Helmore, “Anna Sorokin: fake German heiress sentenced to up to 12 years in prison”, in The Guardian[1]:
- Sorokin, a would-be art collector, planned to open a members-only arts club but became known as the “Soho grifter” after her deception upon New York’s glitzy social scene came to light.
- Unfulfilled; frustrated in realizing a goal, ambition, etc.
- Would-be film stars often become waitresses.
- 1891, Thomas Hardy, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, volume 1, London: James R. Osgood, McIlvaine and Co., page 27:
- It was not till the rays of the sun had absorbed the young stranger's retreating figure on the hill that she shook off her temporary sadness and answered her would-be partner in the affirmative.
Coordinate terms
Translations
attempting or desiring something
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unfulfilled or frustrated in realizing an ambition
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Noun
- One who aspires to something.
- Synonym: wannabe
- 1912, Elbert Hubbard, Hollyhocks and Goldenglow
- The would-bes are very sure that the managers have it in for them; just as most young writers regard publishers as being in conspiracy against budding genius.
- (India) One's fiancé or fiancée.