has-been
adj1
Derogatory, Informal Of or pertaining to someone or something that was once popular, successful or important but is no longer considered so.
has-been
nounUK /ˈhæz.biːn/ · US /ˈhæz.bɪn/
1
Derogatory, Informal A person, especially one who was formerly popular or influential, who continues in their field after their popularity or effectiveness has peaked and is now in decline.
- When the aforesaid alderman or another wishes to express mild contemptuosity for his fellows and himself in future I would suggest “old fossils” or “old has beens,” or “old fogies,” then the Sir Galahads that are always riding—or driving—about in this progressive dorp will not have any cause to complain.1927 November 25, J. Jingle, “Merely My Musings”, in The Dabbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, page 2, column 3:
- I think Apple Computer is a has-been.1986 January 6, John Gantz, “Things Look Better in the Long View”, in InfoWorld, volume 7, number 52, page 19:
2 more examples
- Is it better to never be than to be and eventually become a has-been?2009, William Shatner, Up Till Now: The Autobiography, page 338:
- They're saying Sonny Hayes isn't a has-been. He's a never-was.2025, Ehren Kruger, F1: The Movie, spoken by Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon):
- Derived terms
- has-been-dom, hasbian