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

Horn didn’t miss a game until last week, and his status for Sunday’s finale is iffy due to a hip issue. —Joseph Person, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

While the historical accuracy is iffy, there’s no doubt Grey’s name helped propel the blend into popularity. —Rai Mincey, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Left tackle Terron Armstead’s status for Sunday is iffy with a knee injury. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025

But the team’s iffy three-point shooting cost it, as the Thunder shot only 15.6% from beyond the arc, and 33.7% from the field overall. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 18 Dec. 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