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

Ag Ghali remains elusive despite being wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The environment it inhabits is characterized by small-leaved shrubs and scattered stones, creating the perfect camouflage for this elusive reptile.

Read more on Science Daily

While these results don't solve the neutrino mystery outright, they expand what scientists know about these elusive particles and demonstrate the strength of international collaboration in physics.

Read more on Science Daily

Now, growth is slowing and profitability remains elusive.

Read more on Barron's

The meeting comes as both countries are still trying to reach a trade deal - which still appears elusive despite a private meeting that lasted almost two hours on Wednesday.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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