shifty

adjective

ˈshif-tē 

shiftier; shiftiest

1

: full of or ready with expedients : resourceful

2

a

: given to deception, evasion, or fraud : tricky

b

: capable of evasive movement : elusive

a shifty boxer

3

: indicative of a tricky nature

shifty eyes

shiftily

ˈshif-tə-lē 

adverb

shiftiness

ˈshif-tē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• shady
• sneaky

Examples of shifty in a Sentence

shifty politicians making deals to channel federal funds into their districts

shifty practices such as turning back the odometers on used cars

Recent Examples on the Web

Renfrow, when on the field, has been hard to cover, as he is both shifty and quick in his routes. —Mike Kaye august 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2025

Jean-Bart burst on the scene in the Trojans’ spring game, showing off some spectacular catches in coverage as well as some shifty route-running ability. —Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025

Guarding shorter, shiftier wideouts like Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a different challenge, but Woolen is usually well equipped to handle those matchups. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 26 July 2025

The 5-foot-8, 198-pound running back has the resume of a shifty weapon on both offense and special teams. —Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shifty

• fifty
• nifty
• thrifty
• unthrifty

Kids Definition

shifty

adjective

ˈshif-tē 

shiftier; shiftiest

1

: not worthy of trust : tricky

2

: indicating a tricky character

shifty eyes

shiftily

-tə-lē 

adverb

shiftiness

-tē-nəs 

noun