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

Example Sentences

Barron’s argued last week that the most likely outcome from the TAE merger is that timelines for fusion technology get stretched out, costs rise, profits prove elusive, and capital gets harder to raise.

From Barron's

And there is always the matter of beauty, the most elusive and subjective measure of all.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chasing balanced agricultural trade is like chasing a white rabbit, one that will ultimately prove elusive.

From Barron's

This time, the pair travel through northern Europe in search of fine food, wry conversation and a glimpse of the elusive aurora borealis.

From BBC

Barron’s argued last week that the most likely outcome is that the stock’s gains fade as timelines for fusion technology get stretched out, costs rise, profits prove elusive, and capital gets harder to raise.

From Barron's

Related Words

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