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

"Everything has to be reviewed from the ground up with one objective: zero tolerance."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

"There will be zero tolerance for civilians who take the law into their own hands," Maj Gen Avi Bluth said.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

"Export markets demand zero tolerance on pests. Even if inspectors find a single fruit fly, the entire consignment is discarded, leading to huge losses," he says.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

A spokesperson for Walmart said the company is aware of the complaint and has zero tolerance for counterfeit products.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 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