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zero tolerance

American

noun

a policy of very strict, uncompromising enforcement of rules or laws.

zero tolerance British

noun

1. the policy of applying laws or penalties to even minor infringements of a code in order to reinforce its overall importance
2. ( as modifier )
  
  a zero-tolerance policy on drugs

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of zero tolerance

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

zero tolerance

Following the unrest in Clapham, police warned they would take a "zero tolerance approach" to any reports of disorder and would keep "a strong visible presence".

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

BYD says it stopped working with its contractor for the Brazil factory and that it has zero tolerance for violations of human rights and labor laws across its operations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026

He said he has spoken to the entire organisation and told officers there would be "zero tolerance" for misogyny and those who displayed that behaviour would "quickly lose their jobs".

From BBC ● May 7, 2026

The company said it supported the government in its investigation and that the company “has zero tolerance for violations of the law.”

From Barron's ● Apr. 22, 2026

Finally, in December 1958 the zero tolerance which the Commissioner had recommended in 1955 became effective.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023