Has-been

Quick meaning: Has-been is a noun meaning (informal, derogatory) A person, especially one who was formerly popular or influential, who continues in their field after their popularity or effectiveness has peaked and is now in decline.

Meaning

(informal, derogatory) A person, especially one who was formerly popular or influential, who continues in their field after their popularity or effectiveness has peaked and is now in decline.

More Meanings

1. (informal, derogatory) Of or pertaining to someone or something that was once popular, successful or important but is no longer considered so.

Example Sentences

I think Apple Computer is a has-been.

They're saying Sonny Hayes isn't a has-been. He's a never-was.

Is it better to never be than to be and eventually become a has-been?

When the aforesaid alderman or another wishes to express mild contemptuosity for his fellows and himself in future I would suggest “old fossils” or “old has beens,” or “old fogies,” then the Sir Galahads that are always riding—or driving—about in this progressive dorp will not have any cause to complain.

Word Forms

• has-beens
• hasbeen

Synonyms for has-been

Depending on context, synonyms include gonnabe, never-be, never-was, wannabe, would-be.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include geek, relic, tacky, underdog, losing, lose.

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