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

Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

There are any number of leadership books purporting to direct would-be career professionals on how to manage, in so many different ways, including the leadership of a workforce, which is one of the stickier parts of being a leader, in general. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Ongoing uncertainty about the situation in Lebanon and fears of a new escalation have dissuaded many would-be pet owners from adopting, but some of Hamza's dogs have found new homes. — ABC News, 3 July 2026

Multiple acts from the would-be parade said they were given clearance by the city to perform in the area, like the MMU Alumni Band from Pennsylvania and the Ballet Folkloricos Mosaicos from Indianna, representing Mexico. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 3 July 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