Word
borderline
Phoneticsbor·der·line, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɔɹdɝˌɫaɪn/
UK/bˈɔːdəlˌaɪn/
Definition
adj. almost fitting into a certain category, but not quite. You use it when something is on the edge between two states, like being healthy and sick.
adj. situated on the edge of a category or condition; not clearly belonging to one side or the other. Often used with 'on' to indicate proximity to a limit.
Examples
“His health is borderline, so he needs rest.”
“The company's profits were borderline, just enough to avoid a loss.”
“Her performance was borderline, hovering between acceptable and disappointing, leaving the judges unsure whether to award her a place in the finals.”
Examples
simple
“His health is borderline, so he needs rest.”
contextual
“The company's profits were borderline, just enough to avoid a loss.”
complex
“Her performance was borderline, hovering between acceptable and disappointing, leaving the judges unsure whether to award her a place in the finals.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after 'be' or attributively before a noun. Frequently paired with 'on' (e.g., 'borderline on genius').
Real-World Examples
“Ross Kemp was so happy it came out as borderline anger, with a vein-popping "get in there!"
Other players seemed genuinely shocked.” “Roland is a borderline alcoholic grammar pedant who is quite literally running from depression.” Etymology
From border + line.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/borderline