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View synonyms for

elusive

[ 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: , , , ,

  3. difficult to find:

    hoping that elusive donors will finally contribute.



elusive

/ ɪˈːɪ /

adjective

  1. difficult to catch

    an elusive thief

  2. preferring or living in solitude and anonymity
  3. difficult to remember

    an elusive thought

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

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Derived Forms

  • ˈܲ, adverb
  • ˈܲԱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·s· adverb
  • ·s·Ա noun
  • ԴDze·s adjective
  • non·s· adverb
  • non·s·Ա noun
  • ܲe·s adjective
  • un·s· adverb
  • un·s·Ա noun
  • ܲe·s· adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of elusive1

First recorded in 1710–20; elus(ion) + -ive
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Compare Meanings

How does elusive compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The elusive goal of prevention is to identify that small percentage.

From

To fight an elusive enemy operating clandestinely at night and from hideouts deep in swamps and jungles, the U.S. military turned to environmental modification technologies.

From

Common species such as the fence lizard could serve as a benchmark for scientists monitoring rarer or more elusive creatures.

From

A new report from the Wall Street Journal shows that Hegseth is starting to see elusive leakers in his nightmares.

From

Bars of gold may have proven elusive, but the group did make finds.

From

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elusionelusory