elude
verb (used with object)
to avoid or escape by speed, cleverness, trickery, etc.; evade.
had eluded
-
past perfectof elude.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The American figure skater was at her sport’s world championships, chasing a title that had eluded U.S. women for almost her entire lifetime.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 20, 2026
His greatest triumph was his 2017 expose of the "Enigma Network", involving cross-shareholdings in 50 listed companies, which had eluded regulators.
From Barron's ● Jan. 13, 2026
From then on, Root and Brook were outstanding, finding an ideal tempo for Test batting that had eluded England for much of the tour.
From BBC ● Jan. 4, 2026
Yet, a first goal in a competitive match had eluded him - until now.
From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2025
Here was the rhythm that had eluded her before, buried in the whispered cadence of their names.
From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo
