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Definition of elusive

elusive

/ɪˈluːsɪv/
e · lu · sive
Adverb:elusively
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elusive Lexical Profile

elusive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

Example

"The wildlife photographer spent months in the mountains trying to spot the elusive snow leopard."

2

Difficult to remember, comprehend, or define clearly.

Example

"She woke up trying to recall the details of an elusive dream that quickly faded from her mind."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for elusive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for elusive

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'allusive' (containing indirect references) and 'illusive' (deceptive or based on an illusion); 'elusive' specifically means difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

• Rhymes for elusive

• Nearby Words

elucidate
elucidation
elude
elusive
elusively
elusiveness
elven

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 18th century from the Latin stem 'elus-' (from 'eludere', meaning 'to elude or outplay'), combined with the English suffix '-ive'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Elusive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/elusive
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