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

There would be zero tolerance of any off-the-ball moves that were designed to stop an opponent getting to the ball and led to goals.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

“Safety is a cornerstone of our business and we have zero tolerance for inappropriate and unsafe behavior.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026

"The safety of our customers and our crew is our number one priority and we have zero tolerance for disruptive or threatening behaviour on our flights," a Qantas spokesperson told AFP on Sunday.

From Barron's ● May 17, 2026

Into this chaos walks a man with an iron fist, a famous surname and zero tolerance for insubordination.

From BBC ● May 13, 2026

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

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson