borderline
Translation
borderline, marginal, on the edge
Examples
His behavior is borderline acceptable.
His behaviour is borderline acceptable.
She received a borderline pass on the exam.
She received a borderline pass on the exam.
Grammar Patterns
((borderline)) ((noun)) on the edge of a category It was a borderline decision.
((to be)) borderline to be on the edge of a category His performance was borderline.
Similar Words
Synonyms: marginal, ambiguous, on the edge
Etymology
A compound of 'border' and 'line'.
Memory Tips
Imagine something sitting right on the 'line' that is the 'border', so it could fall on either side.