would-be

The definition of would be is someone who is trying to become or acting like a specific kind of person that he is not.

(adjective)

An example of a would be artist is someone who is trying to get a gallery show and get people to buy his paintings.

See would-be in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Origin: ME (northern) walde be

See would-be in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Desiring, attempting, or professing to be: “Would-be home buyers will have a somewhat easier time getting loans” (Wall Street Journal).

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