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

While the restorations are only to the marble surface of the building, the meticulous nature of the job would have disrupted all aspects of the Plaza experience for would-be guests. — Timothy Latterner, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026

This would-be Colette, who knew her time and speaks to ours, was born Rosalyn Bronznick in 1926, and grew up in the Bronx. — Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

When an airport is not listed on the Gateside website, there is no way for a would-be user to apply for a pass. — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

By avoiding a price cut, this option maintains the value of your property and nearby residences but still accomplishes your goal of bringing would-be buyers to your place. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 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