Has-been

A 'has-been' refers to someone who was once famous, successful, or significant, but is no longer considered so. This term often implies a decline in popularity, relevance, or ability, typically due to age, changing trends, or diminished skills. The implication is that the individual's peak achievements are in the past, and they are no longer capable of competing at the same level or attracting the same attention. The term can be used in various contexts, from entertainment and sports to politics and business, to describe individuals whose careers or influence have waned.

Has-been meaning with examples

• The aging rock star, once a stadium-filling headliner, was now relegated to playing smaller venues, labeled a 'has-been' by some fans. Despite his attempts to recapture his former glory, the changing music scene had moved on, leaving him feeling adrift, but not giving up his drive to be famous.
• After a string of box office flops and negative reviews, the once-acclaimed actor was considered a 'has-been.' Although he struggled to secure roles in major films, he persisted in seeking independent projects hoping that he could remind the public of his previous accomplishments and talent.
• The former tennis champion, plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance, was sadly described as a 'has-been' by sports commentators. Although the decline of the champion was undeniable, he attempted a comeback, showing a glimmer of his past skill but ultimately fell short of his former rank and level of competition.
• The once-powerful CEO, whose company's fortunes had declined after several strategic missteps, was derisively referred to as a 'has-been' by industry analysts. Despite past success, the new board of directors had no interest in his help and replaced him with the latest up-and-coming CEO.