Would-be
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈwʊd biː/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Would-be is an adjective meaning Attempting or desiring something.
Meaning
Attempting or desiring something.
More Meanings
- Unfulfilled; frustrated in realizing a goal, ambition, etc.
- One who aspires to something.
- (India) One's fiancé or fiancée.
Example Sentences
Would-be film stars often become waitresses.
[T]he envy of all the would-be beautiful of the Nor empire.
Would-be marines have to get through a rigorous examination.
As Tarzan’s heavy hand fell upon his shoulder the priest dropped his victim, and turned upon her would-be rescuer.
Word Forms
- would-bes
Synonyms for would-be
Depending on context, synonyms include wannabe, aspirant, aspiring, manque, wishful.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include aspirant, aspiring, ambitious, wishful, manque, self-styled.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.