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Borderline: meaning, definitions and examples

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borderline

 

[ ˈbɔːdə(r)laɪn ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

mental health

Relating to or characteristic of a borderline personality disorder, typically manifested by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions.

Synonyms

BPD, borderline personality disorder

Examples of usage

  • She has borderline personality disorder, which causes her to have difficulty maintaining stable relationships.
  • His behavior is often unpredictable and reflects his borderline tendencies.
Context #2 | Adjective

generic

At the edge or boundary of something, almost reaching or meeting a particular condition or standard.

Synonyms

almost reaching, on the edge

Examples of usage

  • The project is in a borderline state, it could either succeed or fail.
  • The temperature is borderline freezing, so you should wear a warm jacket.

Translations

Translations of the word "borderline" in other languages:

🇵🇹 limite

🇮🇳 सीमा रेखा

🇩🇪 Grenzlinie

🇮🇩 garis batas

🇺🇦 межа

🇵🇱 granica

🇯🇵 境界線

🇫🇷 ligne de démarcation

🇪🇸 línea límite

🇹🇷 sınır çizgisi

🇰🇷 경계선

🇸🇦 حدود

🇨🇿 hraniční čára

🇸🇰 hraničná línia

🇨🇳 边界线

🇸🇮 mejna črta

🇮🇸 landamæri

🇰🇿 шекара сызығы

🇬🇪 საზღვარი

🇦🇿 sərhəd xətti

🇲🇽 línea límite

Word origin

The term 'borderline' originated in the early 20th century, originally used in the context of psychiatry to describe a personality type that was on the border between neurosis and psychosis. Over time, it has evolved to have broader meanings relating to boundaries and limits. The word 'borderline' combines 'border' and 'line,' emphasizing the concept of being on the edge or boundary of something.

See also: bordering, borderland, borders.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,611, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.