has-been
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does has-been mean? Has-been is a negative term for a person who is considered to have lost or to be far removed from the success, popularity, or skill that they once had. Has-been is used as an insult. It’s most often applied to famous people, such as athletes and actors—to be called a has-been, a person has to have been known for having an outstanding quality. Another insulting term based on has-been is never-was, which is intended to suggest that a person was never known for having any outstanding qualities. It’s typically used in conjunction with has-been to insult someone in an even worse way, as in You’re not even a has-been—you’re a never-was! Another less-common term formed in the same way is could-have-been, referring to a person who never became successful but could have. This can be an insult or a compliment, depending on how it’s used. Example: I don’t need advice from some has-been—I want to learn from someone who’s been able to stay in the game.
Etymology
Origin of has-been
First recorded in 1600–10
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED,” he wrote.
From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026
Hamilton has been seeking that elusive eighth title ever since he lost it in the controversy of Abu Dhabi 2021.
From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026
She is appealing the verdict and has long alleged that her prosecution has been unfair.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026
Sheehan’s velocity has been an indicator of how synced up his delivery has been on any given start this season.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026
Most of my time, sleeping and waking, has been spent outside, in close contact with what we now call the environment, what my uncles used to call, simply, “the woods.”
From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
