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

Netanyahu believes the deal takes him closer to Israel's elusive victory over Hamas.

From BBC

But, for all the optimism, 'legacy' can be elusive.

From BBC

“In the manga, it is a very elusive character in that we don’t know if it’s a human being, if it’s alive, if it has any substance,” said Sato.

From Salon

Benjamin Netanyahu insists the current offensive aimed at capturing Gaza City will deliver the elusive total victory over Hamas that he has promised repeatedly.

From BBC

However Moyes chooses to set up his side come Saturday, these are statistics that must improve if Everton are to secure an elusive derby win.

From BBC

Related Words

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