would-be

American  

[wood-bee] / ˈwʊdˌbi /

adjective

1. wishing or pretending to be.

   a would-be wit.

2. intended to be.

   a would-be kindness.

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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 British  

adjective

1. derogatory wanting or professing to be

   a would-be politician

2. intended to be

   would-be generosity

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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

Etymology

Origin of would-be

1250–1300; Middle English (adj.)

Example Sentences

No doubt that playful warmth played a part in him being cast as Luffy, a hilariously nonchalant, yet utterly sincere would-be pirate.

From Los Angeles Times

By volunteering in the latter years of the conflict, he checked an important box for would-be leaders of the divine republic.

From The Wall Street Journal

I’d estimate 80% of would-be entrepreneurs never get past the planning phase, waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect business plan.

From MarketWatch

Today, there are alarms that turn off when would-be snoozers shoot a fake gun at a target or curl a small dumbbell.

From The Wall Street Journal

What’s also important in the upcoming home-buying season — but tougher to measure — is the willingness of would-be home buyers to make a major financial decision at an uncertain point.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• budding
• enterprising
• potential
• prospective