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

From that point on, a zero tolerance approach was adopted.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

"Everything has to be reviewed from the ground up with one objective: zero tolerance."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 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

“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

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

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson