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.
So Much More Than a Pretty Face Crucially, Marvel Tokon backs up its eye candy with a solid game (even if patches are required to fix iffy PC performance). — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026 Dwayne Johnson responded to the iffy critical reception of his latest movie, the live-action remake of Moana. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 The legislation fails to address the property rights of the owners of about 200 horses and the 68 medallions as well as the iffy legal question of outlawing what not only has been a legal trade, but one formally licensed and sanctioned by the city. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026 And conversely, industrial businesses moved into working-class neighborhoods because the land was cheaper and the zoning sometimes iffy. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 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

Rhymes for iffy

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Browse Nearby Words

iffen
iffy
if/had (two people's) situations been reversed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Iffy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iffy. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for iffy

Nglish: Translation of iffy for Spanish Speakers

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