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

Since then, travel agencies and brokers have drawn people from all over the world to join what they call Russia’s “elite international battalion,” dangling a raft of benefits to attract would-be recruits.

From Los Angeles Times

Then a fellow would-be resident got in touch, saying: "I've dug a little bit further. Get out."

From BBC

Supporters of Chiles in this case often frame the issue around the idea that laws like Colorado’s represent an infringement on the First Amendment rights of would-be conversion therapists.

From Salon

As counterintuitive as it may seem, political science shows that would-be dictators need strong public support, especially early in the regimes.

From Salon

Hansen might ask the would-be offenders, his demeanor crisp and casual.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• budding 
• enterprising 
• potential 
• prospective