bordering
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɔɹdɝɪŋ// UK //bˈɔːdəɹɪŋ// bor·der·ing
adj. very close to being something, often something negative. You use this to say a situation is almost at a certain level or quality.
adj. almost reaching the quality or state of the noun that follows. Typically used predicatively with 'on' or attributively before a noun phrase.
His silence was bordering on rude.
The project's delays were bordering on unacceptable, forcing the team to work weekends.
The film's excessive use of slow motion bordered on pretentiousness, distracting from the raw emotional power of the central performance.
Usage
Often followed by 'on' when used predicatively; can stand alone before a noun.
Pitfall
bordering rudebordering on rudeWhen used after a linking verb, it requires the preposition 'on' before the adjective or noun.