illusive

[ ih-loo-siv ]

adjective

Origin of illusive

First recorded in 1670–80; illus(ory) + -ive

Exclusive is illusive — for as long as it takes someone to re-write and publish.
‘Exclusive is illusive’: U.K. publishers launch plan to mitigate loss of traffic when sources aren’t properly cited | Seb Joseph | November 29, 2021 | Digiday
Bragman says Johnson has that illusive “it” factor that everyone wants.
The Fabulous Life of EJ Johnson, the Stylish Son of the Lakers Legend | Itay Hod | June 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
It may be conjectured that this hope was illusive, for Bragg had exceedingly accurate sources of information.
Stone's River | Wilson J. Vance
"He loves to call a football an 'illusive spheroid,'" chuckled another chap.
Left Tackle Thayer | Ralph Henry Barbour
But happiness is as illusive as time, and is proved as perspicuously to be but a thing of memory, by the same venerable saint.
Library Notes | A. P. Russell

How he sickened for the bright translucent waters of the mirage, though he knew them false and illusive as a dream!
Sarchedon | G. J. (George John) Whyte-Melville
Nor has any obscure, mysterious, or illusive point in history been cleared up by the spirits.
Mysterious Psychic Forces | Camille Flammarion

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