elusive

//ɪˈluːsɪv//
C1Frequency Level 10Formal
Visual representation of elusive

Adjective

elusiveCanonical form
more elusiveComparative
most elusiveSuperlative
1

Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

The elusive butterfly escaped every time we tried to catch it.

2

Difficult to remember or recall.

The answer was elusive, hovering just at the edge of my memory.

3

Difficult to define, describe, or understand clearly.

The concept of happiness remains elusive and hard to define.