elusive

Also e·lu·so·ry

[ih-loo-siv]

adjective

1. eluding or failing to allow for or accommodate a clear perception or complete mental grasp; hard to express or define.

   an elusive concept.

2. cleverly or skillfully evasive.

   a fish too elusive to catch.

   Synonyms: baffling, puzzling, shifty, slippery, tricky

3. difficult to find.

   hoping that elusive donors will finally contribute.

elusive

/ ɪˈluːsɪv /

adjective

1. difficult to catch

   an elusive thief

2. preferring or living in solitude and anonymity

3. difficult to remember

   an elusive thought

Other Word Forms

• elusively adverb
• elusiveness noun
• nonelusive adjective
• nonelusively adverb
• nonelusiveness noun
• unelusive adjective
• unelusively adverb
• unelusiveness noun
• unelusory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elusive¹

First recorded in 1710–20; elus(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

"And used to interviewees who will be somewhat elusive."

Read more on BBC

The quarterbacks’ running ability could present the biggest challenge for the opposing defenses Saturday given they are both extremely elusive and able to escape pressure.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s the perfect setting, in other words, for a novel by Mr. Banville, who is a master of shadow and suggestion and whose protagonists are often elusive, wavering and easily corrupted.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For Judge, that kind of glory remains elusive.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But full citizenship with political and economic equality was elusive.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ambiguous 
• fleeting 
• illusory 
• incomprehensible 
• puzzling 
• slippery 
• subtle 
• tricky 
• volatile