Dictionary

wantrepreneur en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˌwɑnt.tɹə.pɹəˈnʊɚ/ (US)
• /ˌwʌn-/ (US)
• /ˌwɒn.tɹə.pɹəˈnɜː/ (Received-Pronunciation)
• /ˌwɑnt.tɹə.pɹəˈnɝ/ (US)
• /ˌwɔn-/ (US)

Etymology

Blend of want + entrepreneur.

Meanings

1. (informal) A person who aspires to be an entrepreneur, especially one who never realizes this ambition.
   • Others are concerned that “wantrepreneurs” are jumping on the bandwagon, putting early-stage business resources, like accelerators and incubators, under strain. 2014 September 13, Cian Traynor, “Start-up Ireland”, in The Irish Times:
   • There is something to be said for difficult initial conditions, which separate the entrepreneurs from the wantrepreneurs. 2013 January 16, Danny Boice, “Why we need a 'Startup University' and how it would work”, in The Washington Post:
   • That's the reality, and if you can't get past the fear of scrutiny, you become a "wantrepreneur," someone who talks about starting a business but never gets around to it. 2010, Jen Groover, What If? and Why Not?: How to Transform Your Fears Into Action and Start the Business of Your Dreams, BenBella, →ISBN:

Forms