English

Noun

has-been ‎(plural has-beens)

1. (pejorative) A person, especially one formerly popular or influential, who continues in their field after their popularity or effectiveness has peaked and is now in decline.
   • 1986 (Jan 6), John Gantz, "Things Look Better in the Long View", InfoWorld, 7 (52) / 8 (1), page 19

     I think Apple Computer is a has-been.

   • 2009, William Shatner, Up Till Now: The Autobiography, page 338

     Is it better to never be than to be and eventually become a has-been?

Usage notes

• Typically said of professionals or celebrities whose prime is behind them.

See also

• never-was

Derived terms

• hasbian

Translations

Anagrams

• banshee