adj

shifty

SHIHF-tee

Shifty (adj) means looking or behaving as if dishonest or untrustworthy; evasive. Example: “He gave a shifty answer when asked where he had been.”

adj

Looking or behaving as if dishonest or untrustworthy; evasive.

"He gave a shifty answer when asked where he had been."

"The shifty-looking stranger avoided eye contact."

How to use shifty

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSeeming dishonest or suspicious, often through nervous or evasive behaviour.

Common pairings

shifty eyes a shifty character look shifty

Word forms

shiftier comparative, shiftiest superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

He gave a _____ answer when asked where he had been.

Etymology

Built from shift + -y, originally describing someone resourceful with "shifts" (tricks or schemes), which shifted toward meaning dishonest.

Rhymes for shifty

fifty nifty thrifty

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Frequently asked questions

What does “shifty” mean?

The word “shifty” means looking or behaving as if dishonest or untrustworthy; evasive. In plain terms, seeming dishonest or suspicious, often through nervous or evasive behaviour.

How do you pronounce “shifty”?

“Shifty” is pronounced SHIHF-tee (/ˈʃɪfti/ in IPA).

How do you use “shifty” in a sentence?

Here is “shifty” used in a sentence: “He gave a shifty answer when asked where he had been.”

What part of speech is “shifty”?

“Shifty” is an adjective.