net-zero

adjective

net-ze·​ro ˈnet-ˈzē-(ˌ)rō How to pronounce net-zero (audio)
-ˈzir-(ˌ)ō
: resulting in neither a surplus nor a deficit of something specified when gains and losses are added together
net-zero carbon emissions
The General Services Administration has sealed an unusual deal to guarantee achievement of net-zero energy consumption in a federal facility …Charles S. Clark
especially, of buildings : producing enough energy (as through solar panels or passive heating) to offset any energy consumed
By 2020 all new homes built in California will have to be net-zero buildings that produce enough power to offset all their energy needs … K. Kaufmann
Another affordable, net-zero house is under construction in North Minneapolis, and a third is in development at the school. John Cary

Examples of net-zero in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sustainability is also at risk as the AI boom drives up greenhouse gas emissions, knocking many tech companies off target for their net-zero climate goals. Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 Big banks, asset managers and pension funds are still financing oil and gas expansion, despite the clear science and despite their own net-zero pledges. Ben Jealous, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025 With congested airports, a trend toward net-zero emissions and noise reduction, and the ability to access coastal and remote destinations, amphibious aircraft are now moving into the next generation. Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 9 July 2025 Senate Bill 9 bolsters climate resilience in infrastructure, its proponents said, while House Bill 5004 supports the renewable energy industry and sets a statewide net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for net-zero

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of net-zero was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Net-zero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/net-zero. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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