To be very close to a particular quality, state, or extreme, without quite reaching it.
To be almost like something, or very nearly something — especially something extreme or negative.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
(Figurative) To come very close to a particular quality or state, especially an extreme one.
"His confidence in his own abilities borders on arrogance, to be honest."
The situation in the camps borders on the catastrophic.
— The Guardian, reported in various humanitarian crisis coverage (widely attested)
(Literal) Of a place, to share a physical boundary or border with another place.
"The province borders on three different countries, making it a vital trade hub."
To share a border with — one region or territory touching another at its edge.
To be almost like something, or very nearly something — especially something extreme or negative.
Used in both literal and figurative senses. The literal sense (one country bordering on another) is transparent and not truly a phrasal verb. The common figurative sense — coming close to a quality or extreme — is the more notable usage. Often used with negative or extreme qualities: arrogance, madness, cruelty, genius, obsession.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "border on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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