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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zero-sum

“This is a rapidly expanding market, not a zero-sum game,” Intrator said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 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

Family history is important when it comes to longevity, but it’s not a zero-sum game.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

"We're realistic about the competition but the global sportswear landscape is not a zero-sum game," an Anta spokesperson tells the BBC.

From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2026

The credit default swap was a zero-sum game.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis