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

The company said it supported the government in its investigation and that the company “has zero tolerance for violations of the law.”

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Chandio was replaced by Buzdar, who told the BBC that HIV was his "main focus" when he took the job in March 2025 and that he had a "zero tolerance" policy for unsafe infection control.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

“But when you have this zero tolerance, when the quantity of arrests matters far more than the quality of arrests, you eliminate any ability to have that cooperation.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026

“Cambodia applies zero tolerance toward online scams and human trafficking,” he said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 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