would-be

• IPA^(key): /ˈwʊd biː/

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would-be (not comparable)

1. Attempting or desiring something.

   Would-be marines have to get through a rigorous examination.

   • 1951 February, “Notes and News: Lynton & Barnstaple Remains”, in Railway Magazine, page 136:

     Pilton Yard, the Lynton & Barnstaple headquarters, has been taken over by a fur trading firm, and would-be trespassers to the old engine-shed are turned back by the pungent odour of heaps of carcases.

   • 2019 May 9, Edward Helmore, “Anna Sorokin: fake German heiress sentenced to up to 12 years in prison”, in The Guardian‎:

     Sorokin, a would-be art collector, planned to open a members-only arts club but became known as the “Soho grifter” after her deception upon New York’s glitzy social scene came to light.

2. Unfulfilled; frustrated in realizing a goal, ambition, etc.

   Would-be film stars often become waitresses.

   • 1891, Thomas Hardy, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, volume 1, London: James R. Osgood, McIlvaine and Co., page 27:

     It was not till the rays of the sun had absorbed the young stranger's retreating figure on the hill that she shook off her temporary sadness and answered her would-be partner in the affirmative.

   • 1945 Sept, Richard S. Shaver, Science Fiction Adventure Classics, published 1972, page 26, column 1:

     [T]he envy of all the would-be beautiful of the Nor empire.

• wannabe
• might-be

would-be (plural would-bes)

1. One who aspires to something.

   Synonym: wannabe

   • 1912, Elbert Hubbard, Hollyhocks and Goldenglow:

     The would-bes are very sure that the managers have it in for them; just as most young writers regard publishers as being in conspiracy against budding genius.

2. (India) One's fiancé or fiancée.