Showing results for zero tolerance. Search instead for zero-tolerance policy.

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

"If more officers are found, they will also be punished. We have zero tolerance against such practice."

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026

No matter what I’m reading, I have zero tolerance for bad writing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 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

When she says something about zero tolerance, Abby squeezes my hand.

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

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