elusive

American  

[ih-loo-siv] / ɪˈlu sɪv /

Also elusory

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.

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elusive British  

/ ɪˈluːsɪv /

adjective

1. difficult to catch

   an elusive thief

2. preferring or living in solitude and anonymity

3. difficult to remember

   an elusive thought

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of elusive

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

Compare meaning

How does elusive compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• allusive vs. elusive

Explanation

Things that are elusive are hard to find, pin down, or remember. They slip right out of your grasp. Ever try to catch a mouse? It's not easy, because mice are quick and elusive — they're tough to catch. Rabbits are speedy, so they're elusive too. Also, things that are tough to understand or describe are elusive — like the concepts of love and beauty. If you had an idea and then forgot it, the idea is elusive: it slipped away. Anything you can't get hold of, with your hands or with your brain, is elusive.

Example Sentences

He is a top-level coach, but his players are struggling for regular starts in England's top domestic league, so wins might remain elusive.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

But first, a reminder that the “peace dividend” — that is, the surge of available resources for socially beneficial spending after the cessation of hostilities — has always been an elusive concept.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Melania Trump has been taking on an increasingly public-facing role in recent months, after being an initially elusive presence at the White House early in her husband's second term.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Proving that in any individual case remains elusive.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

In the dream, the elusive Astelle Jordan was no longer missing.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

Related Words

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