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

Construction workers say this heavy demand has created a sense of security that, for them, is often elusive.

From The Wall Street Journal

But he also excelled in the more subtle, elusive realm of morale.

From The Wall Street Journal

The elusive treasure hunter insisted on covering his face with a scarf and would only be interviewed from behind a screen.

From BBC

Large-scale real-life use cases remain elusive, but ambitious trials have grabbed headlines.

From Barron's

The debate over whether AI will destroy jobs continues, with answers still elusive.

From Barron's

Related Words

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