wannabe
5 synonyms for wannabe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Someone who aspires to be something, often without the talent or qualifications to match.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use wannabe
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a wannabe actor
wannabe gangster
Informal and often slightly mocking.
Etymology
A written form of the reduced phrase "want to be," which became a fixture of pop culture slang after Madonna's "Wannabe"-style fan trend took off in the mid-1980s.
Full origin of wannabe →Frequently asked questions
What does “wannabe” mean?
The word “wannabe” means someone who aspires to be something, often without the talent or qualifications to match. In plain terms, someone trying to be or imitate something they aren't quite, often used dismissively.
How do you pronounce “wannabe”?
“Wannabe” is pronounced WO-nuh-bee (/ˈwɒnəbi/ in IPA).
How do you use “wannabe” in a sentence?
Here is “wannabe” used in a sentence: “The band was dismissed by critics as just another rock-star wannabe.”
What is another word for “wannabe”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wannabe” include tryhard.
What part of speech is “wannabe”?
“Wannabe” is a noun.
Where does the word “wannabe” come from?
The word “wannabe” dates back to around 1980. A written form of the reduced phrase "want to be," which became a fixture of pop culture slang after Madonna's "Wannabe"-style fan trend took off in the mid-1980s.
Is “wannabe” a common word?
“Wannabe” is an uncommon word in modern English.
