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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zero tolerance

A spokesperson for Delta told The Times in an emailed statement, “Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2026

“Binance has zero tolerance for sanctions violations or illicit activity, and Binance did not permit any transactions with sanctioned individuals,” the Binance spokesperson said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

Executive chairman Donald Tang told AFP last year that the company had "zero tolerance" for forced labour.

From Barron's ● Aug. 31, 2026

No matter what I’m reading, I have zero tolerance for bad writing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

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

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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