would-be

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

All the affected would-be tenants told the BBC they felt pressured to pay more than they could afford.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“There are interested workers, there are would-be workers, and jobs on the other side,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

With the would-be tying run standing on first base and one out, Scott crashed hard on Geraldo Perdomo’s sacrifice bunt and zipped a throw across the diamond just in time for the out.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

With the deck stacked against day traders, Michalka said, the pattern day-trading rule probably helped by holding back some would-be traders.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

Troops were patrolling up and down the Cordillera just in case any would-be guerrillas inspired by the Cubans were thinking of hiding there.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez