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

They were feeling overwhelmed by how badly they want a decent marriage, and frustrated by how elusive such a thing can be.

From Salon

Eye‑level with an inquisitive Arctic wolf pack in −35 C, Mr Eshel fulfilled his dream to photograph these elusive creatures.

From BBC

But what was once reserved for the ageing wealthy, or the elusive world of celebrities, has now reached the foreheads of 20-somethings across the UK.

From BBC

It’s a fact that’s been known for years — but what exactly causes this discrepancy has remained elusive.

From Los Angeles Times

And when she turned to the officials for relief, the whistles were elusive.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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