iffy

American  

[if-ee] / ˈɪf i /

adjective

Informal.

iffier, iffiest

1. full of unresolved points or questions.

   an iffy situation.

   Synonyms:

   speculative, uncertain, unsettled, doubtful

2. doubtful; questionable.

   An early decision on this is iffy.

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iffy British  

/ ˈɪfɪ /

adjective

1. informal uncertain or subject to contingency

   this scheme sounds a bit iffy

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Other Word Forms

• iffiness noun

Etymology

Origin of iffy

First recorded in 1915–20; if + -y ¹

Example Sentences

The neighborhood looked a bit iffy, so they texted and asked, since I live down here, if I would take a look.

From The Wall Street Journal

That could make any major new capital projects look iffy, at least until oil prices improve.

From Barron's

But banking on a revival of its energy industry is an iffy proposition.

From Barron's

Buffalo has its problems: iffy defense, offensive inconsistency, and turnovers, but QB Josh Allen remains a multithreat headache and a healthy Bills team on a chilly January afternoon is a menace.

From The Wall Street Journal

One reason for the caution on holiday hiring: Americans’ willingness to spend during the holidays is looking iffy.

From The Wall Street Journal