used for saying that somebody could have been successful at something, but was not
Synonyms and related words
Unsuccessful
failed
abortive
fruitless
Cultural note
In the movie “On the Waterfront” the person played by Marlon Brando says “I could have been a contender” because he had failed to become a successful boxer.
could have been a contender
phrase
DEFINITIONS1
1
used for saying that somebody could have been successful at something, but was not
Synonyms and related words
Unsuccessful
failed
abortive
fruitless
Cultural note
In the film ‘On the Waterfront’ the person played by Marlon Brando says ‘I could have been a contender’ because he had failed to become a successful boxer.