zero tolerance

American

noun

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

zero tolerance British

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of zero tolerance

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

zero tolerance

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

From Barron's ● Aug. 31, 2026

Following the unrest in Clapham, police warned they would take a "zero tolerance approach" to any reports of disorder and would keep "a strong visible presence".

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 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

But this is not a complete or final solution, for a zero tolerance on paper is of little value.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023