a has-been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a has-been" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who was once popular or successful but is no longer relevant or successful. Example: "After his last movie flopped, many critics labeled him a has-been in Hollywood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It has become a has-been".

The New York Times

Only a year ago, it was considered a has-been.

The Economist

I am not a has-been.

The Guardian - Film

But I'm not a has-been.

The Guardian - Music

It had become what moviedom dreads most: a has-been.

The New York Times

But it is already a has-been in Japan.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Group A has been predictable and uncompetitive.

The New York Times - Sports

Prototype A has been built.

TechCrunch

Theorem A has been generalized and extended in several directions.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The expression of Napsin A has been shown to be transcriptionally regulated by TTF-1 [46].

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Strobilurin A has been isolated from the fruit bodies.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a has-been" to describe someone or something that was once popular or successful but is no longer relevant or successful. Be mindful of the potentially negative connotation and choose contexts where the term is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a has-been" in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral or respectful term would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "former leader", "retired professional", or "past innovator" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a has-been" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, to identify someone or something that has lost their former status or relevance. Ludwig's examples show its use in news, sports, and arts contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a has-been" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone or something that has lost their former prominence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in news and media contexts, often carrying a somewhat negative connotation. While its use is acceptable, it's advisable to consider the context and choose more neutral language for formal settings. Remember that alternative phrases like "fallen star" or "yesterday's news" might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has-been

A slightly less common and less emphatic synonym for "a has-been".

yesterday's news

Highlights the subject's irrelevance and lack of current interest.

ex-celebrity

Directly identifies a person who was once famous but is no longer in the public eye.

past glory

Focuses on the contrast between a subject's current state and its more celebrated past.

fallen star

Specifically references a celebrity or public figure who has lost their fame and influence.

former shadow

This implies a person or thing that was once significant but is now reduced to a mere vestige of its past self.

spent force

This suggests that the subject has exhausted its power and effectiveness.

outdated relic

Emphasizes the subject's obsolescence and detachment from contemporary relevance.

one-hit wonder

Describes someone known only for one past success.

back number

Implies something old-fashioned or out of date.

FAQs

How can I use "a has-been" in a sentence?

You can use "a has-been" to describe someone or something that was once successful or popular, but is no longer so. For example, "After his last movie flopped, many critics labeled him "a has-been" in Hollywood".

What are some alternatives to using "a has-been"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "former shadow", "fallen star", or "yesterday's news".

Is it appropriate to use "a has-been" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a has-been" carries a negative connotation and is generally better suited for informal or news contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "former" or "past".

What does it mean when someone is referred to as "a has-been"?

Referring to someone as "a has-been" means they were once successful or prominent but are now considered irrelevant or unsuccessful. The term implies a decline from a previous high point in their career or life.