zero-sum

American  

[zeer-oh-suhm] / ˈzɪər oʊˌsʌm /

adjective

1. of or denoting a system in which the sum of the gains equals the sum of the losses.

   a zero-sum economy.

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Etymology

Origin of zero-sum

First recorded in 1955–60

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zero-sum

In this Money Talks: Roy Swan joins Elizabeth Spiers to turn the assumption of a zero-sum economy on its head.

From Slate ● Sep. 15, 2026

The proposition’s supporters did not want to see a zero-sum game — where new arts money simply replaced existing arts money.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

“What worries me in Washington sometimes is that there is a zero-sum dimension to this conversation in some quarters,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

He added: "This is not a zero-sum game. It's not a question of employers win and employees lose and vice versa. Everybody can win."

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

The credit default swap was a zero-sum game.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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