Read the passage: "Successive administrations have pledged to eradicate corruption, yet institutional reform has remained elusive. The persistence of patronage networks and weak judicial oversight suggests that anti-corruption rhetoric has consistently outpaced tangible action." What does the word "elusive" as used in this passage MOST NEARLY mean?
Q1. Read the passage: "Successive administrations have pledged to eradicate corruption, yet institutional reform has remained elusive. The persistence of patronage networks and weak judicial oversight suggests that anti-corruption rhetoric has consistently outpaced tangible action." What does the word "elusive" as used in this passage MOST NEARLY mean?
Answer: Difficult to attain
Explanation: In context, "elusive" modifies "institutional reform" and is paired with the contrast "yet," indicating that despite pledges, reform has not materialised — making "difficult to attain" the best contextual meaning. Understanding vocabulary in context is a core reading comprehension skill.