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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.

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

"There will be zero tolerance for civilians who take the law into their own hands," Maj Gen Avi Bluth said.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

A spokesperson for Walmart said the company is aware of the complaint and has zero tolerance for counterfeit products.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Finally, in December 1958 the zero tolerance which the Commissioner had recommended in 1955 became effective.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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