noun
Uncommon
wannabe
WO-nuh-bee
Wannabe (noun) means someone who aspires to be something, often without the talent or qualifications to match. Example: “The band was dismissed by critics as just another rock-star wannabe.”
noun
1
Someone who aspires to be something, often without the talent or qualifications to match.
"The band was dismissed by critics as just another rock-star wannabe."
How to use wannabe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone trying to be or imitate something they aren't quite, often used dismissively.
When to use it
Informal and often slightly mocking.
Common pairings
a wannabe actor
wannabe gangster
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Word forms
- Plural
- wannabes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The band was dismissed by critics as just another rock-star _____.
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.
Class of 1980
wannabe joined the language around 1980.
See the full Class of 1980 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for wannabe
See all rhymes for 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.
