zero tolerance
Americannoun
noun
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.
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
“We all have zero, zero tolerance for what is happening and what’s been happening in the Valley,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a news conference Monday afternoon.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026
Social media platforms also told us they had zero tolerance for any content that promoted people smuggling and were working with authorities to combat organised crime.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
The Durrell trust previously said animal welfare was a top priority, the charity had zero tolerance to bullying and it was time to move forward.
From BBC • Feb. 2, 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
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.