would-be

adjective

ˈwu̇d-ˈbē 

: desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be

tips for would-be mothers and fathers

The conference, held over the Labor Day weekend, drew 1200 to 1300 writers and would-be writers to the Hawaiian island this year …

—John F. Baker

Possibly the most hilarious and outrageous character was Joey Tribbiani, a would-be actor who struggles to find success in his chosen profession …

—The Cheat Sheet

She's a clueless, would-be do-gooder without much self-awareness.

—Maureen Ryan

Examples of would-be in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was no sign of JonBenét or further communication from the would-be kidnappers. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

The would-be savior has absconded, dealing a fatal blow to LIV’s resurrection. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Her biggest mistake so far was not waiting for Eleanor to arrive before aiming that rifle with its laser sights at Laila, because now they’re both pinned down, taking heavy fire from their supremely pissed-off would-be target. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

The would-be rival to the PGA Tour, which was championed by major winner Phil Mickelson and run until 2025 by another former player of note, Greg Norman, was left scrambling when the Saudi Public Investment Fund pulled out last year. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

would-be

adjective

ˌwu̇d-ˌbē

: desiring, intending, or pretending to be

a would-be poet