Definition

The quality of being difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

Example

The elusiveness of the rare bird made it a challenge for birdwatchers to spot.

Conversation

Have you noticed the elusiveness of that rare bird we saw last week?

Yeah, I can't believe how hard it is to spot it again!

It's like it knows we're trying to find it, right?

Definitely! Its elusiveness makes it even more intriguing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Elusiveness → It is formed from "elusive" (from Latin "elusivus", meaning to evade or escape) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "elusiveness" refers to the quality of being difficult to catch or define, as if it is escaping one's grasp.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'escaping' ('elusivus') and the '-ness' indicating a state. This helps you remember that 'elusiveness' means the quality of being hard to grasp or define.

Visually Confused Words