iffy

adjective

if·​fy ˈi-fē 

1

: having many uncertain or unknown qualities or conditions

an iffy proposition

2

: of inconsistent or unreliable quality

iffiness noun

Examples of iffy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond the iffy climate benefit lie broader concerns about what this means for the transit systems in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and Baltimore—and the people who rely on them. —Sophie Hurwitz, Wired News, 7 June 2025

The outfielder was busy in the fourth inning, first robbing David Fry of extra bases at the right field wall after taking an iffy path to a leaping catch. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025

With starts against the White Sox and Cardinals up next, though, there isn’t a better young, high-upside starter with a good schedule and iffy results so far, so Leiter stands atop the heap. —Eno Sarris, New York Times, 20 May 2025

That’s the Phillies’ biggest concern: having an iffy bullpen for a playoff run. —Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

if entry 1

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for iffy

• jiffy

Kids Definition

iffy

adjective

if·​fy ˈif-ē 

1

: having many uncertain or unknown qualities or conditions

an iffy situation

2

: of inconsistent or unreliable quality

iffiness noun