ENGLISH
REFERENCE

verge

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈvɝdʒ// UK //vˈɜːdʒ// verge Archaic

n. the edge or border of something. You use this when you are very close to a new situation or state.

n. the edge, rim, or margin of something; a point at which a specific condition or event is likely to occur. Often used in the prepositional phrase 'on the verge of'.


SIMPLE

The company is on the verge of success.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists believe they are on the verge of a major breakthrough that could cure the disease.

COMPLEX

The ancient stone path followed the very verge of the cliff, offering hikers a dizzying view of the crashing waves hundreds of feet below.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly appears in the fixed expression 'on the verge of', followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).

Pitfall

on the verge to cryon the verge of cryingThe phrase 'on the verge of' must be followed by a noun or a gerund, not an infinitive.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference