tantalizing
v. C1 Advanced US //ˈtænəˌɫaɪzɪŋ// tan·ta·liz·ing
v. describing something that is very attractive or exciting, but you cannot have it right now. It makes you want to have it even more because it is just out of reach.
v. arousing desire or interest by being just out of reach or difficult to obtain. Often used to describe sensory experiences or intellectual possibilities that are enticing yet inaccessible.
The smell of fresh bread was tantalizing.
The view from the top of the mountain was tantalizing, but the steep path made the climb feel impossible.
The detective followed a tantalizing lead that promised to solve the case, only to discover it was a cleverly constructed red herring by the suspect.