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 will help determine whether Trump can undo the checks and balances the founders wrote into the Constitution, and turn the executive branch into an instrument of a would-be autocrat’s will.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• budding
• enterprising
• potential
• prospective