manque

¹ American  

[mahnk] / mɑ̃k /

noun

French.

1. the numbers 1 to 18 in roulette.

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manqué ² American  

[mahng-key, mahn-key] / mɑŋˈkeɪ, mɑ̃ˈkeɪ /

adjective

1. having failed, missed, or fallen short, especially because of circumstances or a defect of character; unsuccessful; unfulfilled or frustrated (usually used postpositively).

   a poet manqué who never produced a single book of verse.

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manqué British  

/ ˈmɒŋkeɪ, mɑ̃ke /

adjective

1. (postpositive) unfulfilled; potential; would-be

   the manager is an actor manqué

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Etymology

Origin of manque¹

Literally, “lack”

Origin of manqué²

1770–80; < French, past participle of manquer to lack, be short of < Italian mancare, derivative of manco lacking, defective < Medieval Latin, Late Latin mancus ( Latin: feeble, literally, maimed, having a useless hand, probably derivative of manus hand)

Example Sentences

An artist manque, she maintains that her particular skill is to recognize and nurture talent.

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 2022

It was a manque version of the hypertheatricality that elevated the band out of scene notoriety to pop ubiquity.

From New York Times • Sep. 11, 2022

Philip – a Roth manque – is waiting for the release of his second novel, which is bound to be well received.

From The Guardian • Jun. 4, 2015

They may be painters manque, but talented art directors and designers are more indulged and permitted more expressive leeway in Japan than in most other countries.

From Time Magazine Archive

C’est un assez joli tableau, say they, mais la tete manque, de l’expression, si elle avait plus d’esprit, plus de vivacite! 

From Recollections of the late William Beckford of Fonthill, Wilts and Lansdown, Bath by Lansdown, Henry Venn