elusive

e-lu-sive · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

  2. 2.

    Difficult to remember or recall.

  3. 3.

    Difficult to define or describe precisely.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    elusive prey — an animal that is hard to catch
  • •
    elusive dream — a goal that seems impossible to achieve

Related words

Antonyms: accessible, obvious, tangible
See also: elude, evasive, fleeting, illusive
Synonyms: evasive, fleeting, hard to find, intangible, slippery

Etymology

From Latin eludere ("to elude, escape from"), from e- ("out, away") + ludere ("to play"). The adjective form with -ive developed in the 18th century.