Dictionary

1borderline

adjective bor·der·line \-ˌlīn\

: having some but not all characteristics of something

: not quite as severe as what is usual or expected

: existing at or near a border

Full Definition of BORDERLINE

1
a :  being in an intermediate position or state :  not fully classifiable as one thing or its opposite <a borderline state between waking and sleeping>
b :  not quite up to, typical of, or as severe as what is usual, standard, or expected <borderline intelligence> <borderline hypertension>
c :  characterized by psychological instability in several areas (as interpersonal relations, behavior, and identity) but only with brief or no psychotic episodes <a borderline personality disorder>
2
:  situated at or near a border <a borderline town>
borderline noun
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First Known Use of BORDERLINE

1907

2borderline

adverb

: almost or nearly

Full Definition of BORDERLINE

:  almost, nearly <borderline tacky> <borderline suicidal>

First Known Use of BORDERLINE

1925
BORDERLINE Defined for Kids

borderline

adjective bor·der·line \ˈbr-dər-ˌlīn\

Definition of BORDERLINE for Kids

:  not quite average, standard, or normal <She's a borderline student for advanced math.>
Medical Dictionary

borderline

adjective bor·der·line \-ˌlīn\

Medical Definition of BORDERLINE

1
:  being in an intermediate position or state :  not fully classifiable as one thing or its opposite; especially :  not quite up to what is usual, standard, or expected <borderline intelligence>
2
:  exhibiting typical but not altogether conclusive symptoms <a borderline diabetic>
3
:  of, relating to, being, or exhibiting a behavior pattern typical or suggestive of borderline personality disorder <a borderline patient> <borderline behavior>

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