なりかかる

godan verb (-ru)

be on the verge of becoming; be about to turn into; be on the brink of

Describes a state or situation that is close to changing into something else, often with a nuance of imminence. The verb attaches to the continuative form (連用形) of another verb or adjective, e.g. 死になりかかる (be on the verge of death).

See also: なりかける

• 彼かれは死しになりかかっている。

  He is on the verge of death.

• その計けい画かくは失しっ敗ぱいになりかかっている。

  The plan is on the brink of failure.