would-be

[ wood-bee ]

adjective

1. wishing or pretending to be:

   a would-be wit.

2. intended to be:

   a would-be kindness.

noun

1. a person who wishes or pretends to be something:

   Opera singers and would-bes should practice at least four hours a day.

would-be

adjective

1. derogatory.
   wanting or professing to be

   a would-be politician

2. intended to be

   would-be generosity

noun

1. derogatory.
   a person who wants or professes to be something that he is not
2. the person to whom one is is engaged to be married; fiancé or fiancée

Word History and Origins

Origin of would-be¹

1250–1300; Middle English (adj.)

Example Sentences

They emphasized warnings from many of his own closest advisors and top military brass that he was a would-be fascist who would be unencumbered if given another term.

From Los Angeles Times

At City Hall, poll workers had struggled with a stuck door, confusing a handful of would-be voters.

From BBC

When Trump was shot by a would-be assassin in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, it shook this race and this nation profoundly.

From BBC

The second-year middle linebacker got his fingertips on a pass in the first quarter and safety Derwin James Jr. dropped a would-be pick that hit him in the hands.

From Los Angeles Times

He pointed to the nearby media section and remarked that any would-be assassin would have to "shoot through" the journalists to get to him.

From Salon

Related Words

• budding
• enterprising
• potential
• prospective