Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Would-be \Would"-be`\, a.
   Desiring or professing to be; vainly pretending to be; as, a
   would-be poet

Source : WordNet®

would-be
     adj 1: seeking advancement or recognition [syn: {aspirant}, {aspiring(p)},
             {wishful}, {would-be(a)}]
     2: unfilled or frustrated in realizing an ambition [syn: {manque},
         {would-be(a)}]