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 of shifty

• 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

Lotorto has great range and timing as a variety of shifty characters, and does a spot-on Peter Lorre impersonation. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

Much more than her shifty son, anyway. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

The former actress is at wit’s end because a shifty developer (Billy Carter) with deep pockets and a Russian girlfriend (Elise Kibler) who is besotted with Richard is making moves to reshape the town that will bring on the demise of its struggling theater. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

The Panthers would like to diversify their receiving room with a speedy, shifty athlete who can make plays after the catch and in the run game. —Joseph Person, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

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