Use 'manqué' to express someone's unmet potential or dreams in a sympathetic or ironic manner. A business manqué, she now teaches what could have been her practice.
Pro Tip 2/3
Literary Nuance
'Manqué' often carries a literary or intellectual nuance, elegant in expressing regret for what might have been. He is known among friends as the poet manqué.
Pro Tip 3/3
Implicit Critique
Can imply a critique, suggesting that despite opportunities, the individual did not achieve their aspirations. Although a manqué in her field, she found a new passion.