Would-be — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈwu̇d-ˈbē/

Meaning & Definition of Would-be

Would-be (adjective)

  1. desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be

Would-be (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in new, untested

    similar: beginning, entry-level, fresh, green, new, raw, unseasoned, untested, untried, amateur, amateurish, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful, curbstone, self-taught, uninitiated, unprepared, unqualified, unschooled, untaught, untrained, untutored, crude, primitive, unfinished, unpolished, incapable, incompetent, talentless, unable, unfit, ungifted, untalented
    opposite: able, accomplished, capable, competent, dexterous, gifted, habile, handsome, proficient, skilled, skillful, talented, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, educated, fitted, initiated, knowledgeable, prepared, qualified, schooled, taught, trained, tutored, versed, all-around, ambidextrous, versatile, well-rounded, finished, polished, slick, ace, adept, consummate, crackerjack, expert, master, masterful, masterly, professional, virtuosic, virtuoso

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Would-be

The most common words with a similar meaning to Would-be:

beginning, entry-level, fresh, green, new, raw, unseasoned, untested, untried, amateur, amateurish, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful, curbstone, self-taught, uninitiated, unprepared, unqualified, unschooled, untaught, untrained, untutored, crude, primitive, unfinished, unpolished, incapable, incompetent, talentless, unable, unfit, ungifted, untalented

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Would-be

Words with the opposite meaning of Would-be:

able, accomplished, capable, competent, dexterous, gifted, habile, handsome, proficient, skilled, skillful, talented, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, educated, fitted, initiated, knowledgeable, prepared, qualified, schooled, taught, trained, tutored, versed, all-around, ambidextrous, versatile

Origin & Etymology of Would-be

First known use: 1647

Frequently Asked Questions about Would-be

What does "Would-be" mean?

"Would-be" means desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be. As an adjective, it is defined as: desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be.

What is another word for "Would-be"?

Other words for "Would-be" include beginning, entry-level, fresh, green, new, raw, unseasoned and untested. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Would-be" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Would-be"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Would-be". Common alternatives include beginning, entry-level, fresh, green, new, raw, unseasoned, untested, untried and amateur.

What is the opposite of "Would-be"?

Antonyms of "Would-be" include able, accomplished, capable, competent, dexterous, gifted, habile and handsome.

Is "Would-be" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Would-be" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Would-be"?

"Would-be" is pronounced /ˈwu̇d-ˈbē/.

What is the origin of the word "Would-be"?

First known use: 1647.

What is another word for "Would-be" meaning "as in new, untested"?

When "Would-be" (adjective) means as in new, untested, synonyms include beginning, entry-level, fresh, green, new and raw. Opposites in this sense include able, accomplished, capable and competent.