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

But the large language models behind most mainstream AI chatbots are trained on a wide variety of content — including huge swaths of the internet — meaning the advice can be iffy and occasionally dangerous. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 2 June 2026

The nautical equipment was iffy, one aluminum fishing boat and a two-story pontoon boat that resembled a facility that firemen could train on, climbing up and down and swinging under pipes. —Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026

Spring in New England is often touch and go, and this one’s been particularly iffy. —Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026

First, technically, despite the solid fundamental backdrop, the technicals are a bit more iffy. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026

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