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Word

wannabes

plural noun
UK /ˈwɒnəbiz/
US /ˈwɑːnəbiz/

Wannabes are people who try to imitate or become like someone they admire.

wannabes: Wannabes are people who try to imitate or become like someone they admire.

Meanings

plural noun

People who imitate someone successful or famous because they want to become like them.

plural noun

People who want to join or be accepted by a particular group but are not yet genuine members.

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Definition

Wannabes are people who want to be like a particular person or part of a particular group, often without having achieved that status. The word is usually informal and can sound dismissive or insulting. It is commonly used for people who imitate celebrities, athletes, musicians, or members of a social group.

Examples

  • The club was crowded with wannabes trying to impress the talent scouts.
  • Those celebrity wannabes copied her hairstyle and stage moves.
  • The coach quickly recognized the wannabes who wanted attention more than practice.
  • At the party, several wannabes pretended to know the famous producer.

Common mistake

Do not use wannabes as an adjective before a noun; use wannabe instead, as in wannabe singers.