illusory

illusory or illusive (ɪˈluːsərɪ, ɪˈluːsɪv)

—*adj*
	producing, produced by, or based on illusion; deceptive or unreal

usage Illusive is sometimes wrongly used where elusive is meant: they fought hard, but victory remained elusive (not illusive)

illusive or illusive

—*adj*

usage Illusive is sometimes wrongly used where elusive is meant: they fought hard, but victory remained elusive (not illusive)

il'lusorily or illusive

—*adv*

il'lusively or illusive

—*adv*

il'lusoriness or illusive

—n

il'lusiveness or illusive

—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

illusory

1590s, from Fr. illusorie, from L.L. illusorius "of a mocking character," from L. illudere "mock at," lit. "to play with," from in- "at" + ludere "to play" (see ludicrous).

Example sentences

And although the situation appears to change, the change is illusory.

GM foods are not made to solve an illusory food shortage.

Prominently placed in the center of the picture, it serves as a sly reminder of

the illusory nature of realist painting.

Against the scale of the rebellion, these were illusory accomplishments.

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elusive essence fanciful fatuous fool's paradise ideal

Matching Quote

"For a man who loves power, competition from the gods is annoying. I have done away with that. I have proven to these illusory gods that a man, if he has the will, can practice, without any apprenticeship, their ridiculous trade."

-Albert Camus