iffy

adjective

if·​fy ˈi-fē How to pronounce iffy (audio)
Synonyms of iffynext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Golden State traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Hawks for Porzingis, a 7-foot-2 sharpshooter and prolific shot-blocker with iffy health. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026 The dry-goods area atop the fridge sometimes stocked the Australian biscuit Tim Tams, but supplies were iffy. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 Some players with iffy cases were going to make it, and some weren’t. Eric Koreen, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026 For now, the medical establishment is still iffy on emoji — and not just at health systems. Katie Palmer, STAT, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for iffy

Word History

Etymology

if entry 1

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of iffy was in 1937

Cite this Entry

“Iffy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iffy. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

iffy

adjective
if·​fy ˈif-ē How to pronounce iffy (audio)
1
: having many uncertain or unknown qualities or conditions
an iffy situation
2
: of inconsistent or unreliable quality
iffiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on iffy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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