Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Adj.

Desiring or professing to be; vainly pretending to be;

as, a

would-be

poet

would-be ‎(not comparable)

attempting or desiring something
Would-be marines have to get through a rigorous examination.
unfulfilled or frustrated in realizing an ambition
Would-be film stars often become waitresses.

attempting or desiring something

unfulfilled or frustrated in realizing an ambition

would-be ‎(plural would-bes)

One who aspires to something; a wannabe.
- Elbert Hubbard, Hollyhocks and Goldenglow
  The would-bes are very sure that the managers have it in for them; just as most young writers regard publishers as being in conspiracy against budding genius.