hasbeen

Has-been is a noun or adjective used to describe someone who was once prominent or influential but is no longer, especially in the fields of entertainment, sports, or public life. The term carries pejorative connotations, suggesting decline, obsolescence, or irrelevance. It can be used descriptively by observers or self-applied in a self-aware, sometimes humorous way.

Etymology and usage: Has-been derives from the phrase has been, identifying a person who “has been” rather than “is” or “was,” and is typically hyphenated in modern English. It entered common usage in the 20th century and appears in journalism, criticism, and fan discourse. The label is more common in popular culture discussions than in formal biographical writing.

Cultural context: In media and commentary, has-been is often deployed to discuss celebrities whose peak fame or influence has faded. It can frame conversations about career longevity, reinvention, or the inevitability of aging in public life. The term is sometimes used provocatively or humorously, while at other times it functions as a dismissive shorthand for a lack of ongoing impact.

Notable references: The phrase has appeared in many works of popular culture. A prominent example is the 2004 album Has Been by William Shatner, which used collaborations with contemporary artists to reframe decline as a form of artistic reinvention. Similar uses appear in film reviews, interviews, and literary criticism, where the concept of a has-been intersects with themes of fame, legacy, and comeback.

See also: Comeback, aging in show business, reputation.