borderline

[ˈbɔːdəlaɪn]

borderline Definition

  • 1denoting a case or category that is not quite one thing or the other
  • 2on the edge of a particular quality or condition

Using borderline: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "borderline" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The movie was borderline boring.

  • Example

    He has a borderline personality disorder.

  • Example

    The patient's condition is borderline critical.

  • Example

    The company's profits are borderline acceptable.

borderline Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for borderline

Phrases with borderline

  • a situation or example that is not clearly one thing or the other, and which may be difficult to decide or judge

    Example

    The issue of whether or not to allow the new development is a borderline case.

  • a mental health condition characterized by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships

    Example

    She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder after years of struggling with her emotions.

  • a decision that is difficult to make because the options are very similar or the consequences are unclear

    Example

    Choosing between the two job offers was a borderline decision for him.

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Summary: borderline in Brief

The term 'borderline' [ˈbɔːdəlaɪn] describes something that is not quite one thing or the other, or on the edge of a particular quality or condition. It can refer to a variety of contexts, such as a borderline case, borderline personality disorder, or a borderline decision. Synonyms include marginal, ambiguous, and equivocal, while antonyms include definite and clear-cut.

How do native speakers use this expression?