Definition

The quality of being deceitful or evasive, often making it difficult to trust someone or something.

Example

His shiftiness made it hard for the team to rely on him during the project.

Conversation

Did you notice the shiftiness in his answers during the meeting?

Yeah, it was pretty obvious he was hiding something.

I can't believe how transparent his shiftiness was.

Exactly! It made me question his credibility.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shiftiness → It is formed from "shift" (from Old English "sciftan", meaning to divide or change) and "-iness" (a suffix indicating a state or quality). The word "shiftiness" refers to the quality of being changeable or evasive.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'shift' which means to change, and the '-iness' suffix that indicates a state. This helps you remember that 'shiftiness' describes the quality of being changeable or evasive.

Visually Confused Words