Borderline Case

Pronunciation: /ˈbɔrdərˌlaɪn keɪs/

Definitions of borderline case

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'borderline case' is a noun phrase that refers to a situation or scenario that is on the edge or boundary of being classified in a certain way.

Example Sentences

A1 A borderline case is a situation where it is not clear if something is right or wrong.

A2 In some countries, jaywalking can be considered a borderline case of breaking the law.

B1 The decision to classify a species as endangered or not can be a borderline case due to varying factors.

B2 The legal definition of self-defense can sometimes be a borderline case depending on the circumstances.

C1 Determining the ethical implications of genetic engineering is a borderline case that requires careful consideration.

C2 The concept of free speech in the digital age has become a borderline case with the rise of online hate speech.

Examples of borderline case in a Sentence

formal The committee determined that the applicant's qualifications were a borderline case for acceptance into the program.

informal I'm not sure if this dress is a borderline case for being too casual for the event.

slang His excuse for being late was a borderline case of 'my dog ate my homework'.

figurative The decision to expand the project was a borderline case between being ambitious and being unrealistic.

Grammatical Forms of borderline case

• plural: borderline cases
• comparative: more borderline
• superlative: most borderline
• present tense: is a borderline case
• future tense: will be a borderline case
• perfect tense: has been a borderline case
• continuous tense: is being a borderline case
• singular: a borderline case
• positive degree: borderline case
• infinitive: to be a borderline case
• gerund: being a borderline case
• participle: a borderline case

Origin and Evolution of borderline case

First Known Use: 1850 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'borderline case' originated from legal terminology in the 19th century.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in legal contexts to refer to cases that were on the border or edge of a particular legal definition or category. Over time, the term has been adopted in various fields to describe situations or individuals that exhibit characteristics of two distinct categories or states.