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

There were a couple of iffy moments, but beyond the Horton injury scare the Rams (1-1) were never in serious duress while rebounding from a 52-0 loss in Week 1 at Texas. —Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2024

While bermudagrass usually can recover from an attack, surviving a fall armyworm invasion is iffy for tall fescue. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2024

While Biden’s exit is expected to calm jitters about Minnesota’s tilt to Republican control and Walz can shore-up support in his backyard, fellow Blue Wall bricks like Wisconsin and Michigan in his region remain iffy. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 6 Aug. 2024

Last year’s glut of low-quality superhero sequels and iffy brand extensions tested the audience’s patience. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

if entry 1

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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