has-been

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈhæz.biːn/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈhæz.bɪn/

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has-been (plural has-beens)

1. (derogatory) A person, especially one formerly popular or influential, who continues in their field after their popularity or effectiveness has peaked and is now in decline.
   • 1927 November 25, J. Jingle, “Merely My Musings”, in The Dabbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, page 2, column 3:

     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.

   • 1986 (Jan 6), John Gantz, "Things Look Better in the Long View", InfoWorld, 7 (52) / 8 (1), page 19

     I think Apple Computer is a has-been.

   • 2009, William Shatner, Up Till Now: The Autobiography, page 338:

     Is it better to never be than to be and eventually become a has-been?

• rusty nail

• hasbian

• never-was

• banshee, shabeen, shebean

Borrowed from English has-been.

• IPA^(key): /az.bin/

has-been (invariable)

1. out of fashion

has-been m or f (plural has-beens)

1. (derogatory) has-been