# illusory

/ˌɪˈɫusɝi/ (US) · /ɪlˈuːsəɹˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/illusory
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

seeming to be real or true, but actually being false or not lasting. You use this to describe things that trick your mind or senses.

For teachers: giving a false impression of reality or truth; deceptive. Often describes hopes, beliefs, or perceptions that are not grounded in fact.

## Examples

- The success of the new product was only an illusory victory.
- The calm before the storm gave an illusory sense of safety to the people living on the coast.
- Economists warned that the sudden rise in stock prices was an illusory bubble that would eventually burst, leaving investors with significant losses.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.