would-be

/W UH1 D B IY1/
noun
  1. 1

    One who aspires to something.

Synonyms

adjective
  1. 1

    Attempting or desiring something.

    โ€œWould-be marines have to get through a rigorous examination.โ€

  2. 2

    Unfulfilled; frustrated in realizing a goal, ambition, etc.

    โ€œWould-be film stars often become waitresses.โ€

Source: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/would-be