elusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "elusive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something difficult to grasp or to achieve, or when referring to something difficult to find. Example sentence: Money often proves to be an elusive goal for many people.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Could Scott Walker be the elusive 2016 contender Republicans are looking for?

The Guardian

Research councils are prescribing open-access requirements for outputs which will be submittable in the next Research Excellence Framework (REF), and there are now nods towards monographs being included in those requirements at some elusive point in the future.

The Guardian

Pioneering, inclusive and celebratory, the NVA redefines the video game arcade, and moves the medium closer to a cultural legitimacy that has, to date, proved elusive.

The Guardian - Travel

In an interview with the Guardian, a top legal adviser at the state department during the period in question from 2009 to 2013, was similarly elusive.

The Guardian

Baroque imagery, bizarre humour and labyrinthine plots made his elusive and allusive oeuvre unlike anything else in contemporary cinema.

The Guardian - Film

It is one of the great photographic portraits, more real and elusive and penetrating than a painting could ever be.

The Guardian - Arts

While the extent of his activities in the league during this time remains elusive, his name appears as referee of a Belgium v Holland international on 9 March 1913 in Antwerp.

The Guardian - Sport

For Angela Merkel, the awkward possibility remains that the elusive Mr Gurlitt may be able to die with his treasure trove intact after all.

The Guardian

As so often with these strategies, intended to make the government's spending plans clearer, the road ahead seems more elusive than ever.

The Guardian

However, the owner, the elusive Russian petrochemical billionaire Maxim Demin, will have to sanction spending in all areas to provide the depth of quality to survive.

The Guardian - Sport

She spent long vigils lying, mud-splattered in the marshes, lens poking from vegetation, in pursuit of elusive water rails, bearded tits and a juvenile bittern, and her pictures proved the latter species was not extinct in Britain after all.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "elusive", ensure the context clearly indicates what is difficult to attain or understand. For instance, specify whether you're referring to an "elusive" idea, goal, or person.

Common error

Avoid using "elusive" to describe easily obtainable or tangible objects. "Elusive" is best suited for abstract concepts, fleeting moments, or difficult-to-find things.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "elusive" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is difficult to catch, find, understand, or achieve. As Ludwig AI notes, it describes something difficult to grasp or achieve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "elusive" functions as an adjective, denoting something difficult to catch, find, understand, or achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting seamlessly into numerous writing contexts. Usage is very common, particularly in News & Media sources, signaling its consistent relevance in reporting and analysis. Remember to use "elusive" to describe abstract concepts or things hard to find, avoid using it with common tangible objects. For alternative expressions, you can try with "evasive", "intangible", "difficult to define", and "unattainable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unattainable

Similar to unreachable, but emphasizes the impossibility of achieving a goal.

evasive

Indicates a tendency to avoid or escape from something.

difficult to grasp

Focuses on the mental effort required to understand or comprehend something.

difficult to define

Highlights the challenge in providing a clear and concise definition.

hard to pin down

Emphasizes the problem of establishing something with certainty.

hard to catch

Focuses on the difficulty in physically capturing something.

slippery

Suggests something that is evasive and difficult to hold onto, either literally or figuratively.

fleeting

Describes something that lasts only for a brief time.

intangible

Focuses on the lack of physical substance or concrete quality.

unreachable

Highlights the impossibility of reaching or attaining something.

FAQs

How can I use "elusive" in a sentence?

You can use "elusive" to describe something difficult to find, catch, understand, or achieve. For example, "The "elusive criminal" was finally apprehended" or "Happiness can often seem an "elusive goal"".

What are some alternatives to the word "elusive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "evasive", "intangible", "difficult to define", or "unattainable".

Is it correct to say something is "very elusive"?

Yes, you can use adverbs like "very", "extremely", or "particularly" to intensify the adjective "elusive". It's grammatically correct and emphasizes the degree of difficulty in finding or understanding something.

What's the difference between "elusive" and "illusive"?

"Elusive" refers to something that is difficult to catch or find, while "illusive" refers to something that is deceptive or not real. For example, a criminal might be "elusive", while a mirage is "illusive".