zero tolerance

American  

noun

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

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zero tolerance British  

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of zero tolerance

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zero tolerance

It also calls for zero tolerance of bullying or misogyny from No 10 staff and parliamentarians, as well as unprofessional behaviour that diminishes the contributions of women.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 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

Lawyer Busayapa said creating a safer environment would require society to recognise there is no "perfect victim" and that "sexual violence should be met with genuine zero tolerance".

From Barron's ● May 25, 2026

The party’s leader, Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, said this week that he has zero tolerance for antisemitism and is working to improve the vetting process for candidates.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

At least if you adopt a zero tolerance approach, when you next see a banner advertising “CD’s, DVD’s, Video’s, and Book’s”, you won’t just stay indoors getting depressed about it.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author