What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
borderline
Example
Her test scores were borderline, just below the passing mark. [borderline: adjective]
Example
The patient's symptoms were borderline between two different medical conditions. [borderline: preposition]
ambiguous
Example
The instructions were ambiguous, and I wasn't sure what to do. [ambiguous: adjective]
Example
His response was intentionally ambiguous, leaving us unsure of his true intentions. [ambiguous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ambiguous is more commonly used than borderline in everyday language. Ambiguous is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while borderline is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between borderline and ambiguous?
Both borderline and ambiguous can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, ambiguous may be slightly more formal due to its broader usage in academic and professional settings.
