illusive

illusion +‎ -ive

• IPA^(key): /ɪˈluːsɪv/
• Homophone: elusive

illusive (comparative more illusive, superlative most illusive)

1. Subject to or pertaining to an illusion, often used in the sense of an unrealistic expectation or an unreachable goal or outcome.

   Testing software completely is an illusive goal.

   • 1912, Zane Grey, Riders of the Purple Sage, Chapter 8

     […] he could not catch the illusive thing that had sadly perplexed as well as elevated his spirit.

• Often confused with elusive.

• (pertaining to an illusion): illusory

• illusively
• illusiveness