borderline
UK: ˈbɔːdəlaɪn | US: ˈbɔːrdərlaɪn
adj. 1. Nearly meeting a standard or threshold; ambiguous or indeterminate.
adj. 2. (Psychology) Exhibiting traits of a disorder without full diagnostic criteria.
n. 3. A boundary or dividing line.
The word "borderline" combines "border" (from Old French bordure, meaning "edge") and "line" (from Latin linea, meaning "string, mark"). Originally literal (a physical boundary), it evolved metaphorically to describe ambiguity (e.g., "borderline case") and later entered psychology to describe partial symptomatology. The morphemes retain their original spellings, reflecting a clear compound structure.
Her test scores were borderline, so the teacher recommended a retake.
He was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
The river serves as a natural borderline between the two countries.
The film’s humor is borderline offensive.
Their relationship has been borderline toxic for years.