Would-be
Definition
(adj) Describing someone aspiring to be something, but not yet successful
Examples
“The would-be artist missed the point: it’s the failures that shape us.”
“The would-be chef burnt the garlic bread again.”
“My would-be landlord still hasn't called back.”
“At the courthouse, a pair of would-be thieves got caught by lunch.”
“She smiled at the would-be rock star in the red jacket.”
Related words
Other English words at this level include Vicarious, Altruism, Petulant, Voracity, and Infrastructure. Tap any word to see its definition, examples, and audio.
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