dead zone

American  

noun

1. Ecology. an area in a body of water, especially an ocean, having oxygen levels that are not adequate to support life.

   shellfish threatened by an annual dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

2. dead spot.

3. a period or place where there is little activity or excitement.

   A dead zone for home sales is November and December.

---

dead zone British  

noun

1. an area of water that cannot support marine life, being virtually devoid of oxygen due to the presence of nitrates that stimulate algae growth

2. an area where a mobile phone does not receive a signal

3. any area where something does not exist or prosper

   a dead zone for cinemas

---

Etymology

Origin of dead zone

First recorded in 1875–80, for an earlier sense

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dead zone

At the time, it was said years of work to improve biodiversity in the waterway was "wiped out in hours", leaving a dead zone.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

The area of LaGuardia by the public lockers, however, was a dead zone for security, either electronic or human.

From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026

Even though the Russian army is bigger and better equipped than its Ukrainian counterpart, the use of drones has created a "dead zone" on either side of the front line.

From Barron's ● Jun. 14, 2026

This creates a "dead zone" that prevents liquid resin from curing and sticking to the window.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 2024

The nitrogen runoff has creating a “hypoxic,” or dead, zone in the Gulf that is as big as the state of New Jersey—and still growing.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan