Illusory (Adjective)
Meaning
Based on or having the nature of an illusion; "illusive hopes of finding a better job"; "Secret activities offer presidents the alluring but often illusory promise that they can achieve foreign policy goals without the bothersome debate and open decision that are staples of democracy".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Their wealth and success were illusory, built as they were on shaky financial deals and deceitful practices.
- The mirage offered an illusory oasis in the middle of the desert, tantalizing travelers with the promise of refuge.
- His plans for a fulfilling career were illusory, based as they were on unrealistic expectations and a lack of clear goals.
- The idea that she could save money by living in a foreign country was illusory – the cost of living was actually quite high.
- Politicians often present their constituents with illusory solutions to complex problems, promising simple fixes that ultimately prove ineffective.