Synonyms of has-been

has-been

noun

ˈhaz-ˌbin 

as in relic

one that has passed the peak of effectiveness or popularity

now a has-been, the actor's been reduced to appearing on a third-rate reality show

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relic
• dinosaur
• fogy
• fossil
• old-timer
• troglodyte
• dodo
• throwback
• mossback
• stick-in-the-mud
• fuddy-duddy
• stodge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• comer
• rising star
• up-and-comer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of has-been

Brett Goldstein’s seething has-been, Roy Kent, has replaced Ted as the men’s coach; Beard (co-creator Brendan Hunt) stuck around to assist Roy but has gone feral in the absence of his professional soulmate. — Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Ken Blake Brea Sorry to see Jerry Neuheisel leave UCLA to join traitor and coaching has-been Chip Kelly at Northwestern. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026

In other words, the vainly hopeful Larry is about to endure twin humiliations, leaving him feeling bumped out of his life and into the past—a has-been, instantly old. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2025

And as alcoholic has-been Morris, Matthau was fantastically slovenly and cynical, an anti–role model for the ages. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 2025