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

Not clearly on one side or the other; right at the edge of acceptable, safe, or normal.

"His comment was borderline offensive."

"Her test score was borderline — just enough to pass."

How to use borderline

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

more borderline comparative, borderlined past tense, borderlines singular, most borderline superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His comment was _____ offensive.

Etymology

From "border" + "line," originally describing a line marking a boundary.

Rhymes for borderline

nine mine wine line sine dine fine vine pine tine thine shine

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.