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

Why else would Lee tell someone as shifty as Ray so much about what’s going on? —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025

Redshirt freshman Sire Gaines had 12 carries for 69 yards to lead the way, and sixth-year player Malik Sherrod had 49 yards on just nine carries, showcasing some nifty, shifty moves between the tackles on a couple of runs. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Sep. 2025

The backcourt duo of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, also known as the StudBudz, are shifty, tough shot-making guards who can get hot in a hurry. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025

By halftime, the shifty Jordan – the Trojans’ starter – had carried it five times for 42 yards and a score. —Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 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