adj
Uncommon
borderline
BOR-d-lyn
Borderline (adj) means not clearly on one side or the other; right at the edge of acceptable, safe, or normal. Example: “His comment was borderline offensive.”
adj
1
Not clearly on one side or the other; right at the edge of acceptable, safe, or normal.
"I would rather hire a talented layman than a university graduate with borderline qualifications."
"His comment was borderline offensive."
"Her test score was borderline — just enough to pass."
How to use borderline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRight on the edge between two categories — not quite one thing, not quite the other.
Common pairings
borderline case
borderline rude
a borderline decision
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- borderlines
- Past tense
- borderlined
- Comparative
- more borderline
- Superlative
- most borderline
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His comment was _____ offensive.
Etymology
From "border" + "line," originally describing a line marking a boundary.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for borderline
See all rhymes for borderline →Frequently asked questions
What does “borderline” mean?
The word “borderline” means not clearly on one side or the other; right at the edge of acceptable, safe, or normal. In plain terms, right on the edge between two categories — not quite one thing, not quite the other.
How do you pronounce “borderline”?
“Borderline” is pronounced BOR-d-lyn (/ˈboɹ.dɚˌlaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “borderline” in a sentence?
Here is “borderline” used in a sentence: “His comment was borderline offensive.”
What part of speech is “borderline”?
“Borderline” is an adjective.
Is “borderline” a common word?
“Borderline” is an uncommon word in modern English.
