zero tolerance

noun

: a policy of giving the most severe punishment possible to every person who commits a crime or breaks a rule
The police announced that there will be zero tolerance for looters.
The camp has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy.

Examples of zero tolerance 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.
Thousands are expressing on social media that MUO’s decision marks a turning point in beauty pageants and that the situation conveys a clear message of zero tolerance for abuse and disrespect. Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Meanwhile, boomers have zero tolerance for tardiness. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025 Jenna Rangel, an attorney for the two women, said that despite the agency’s stance of zero tolerance for harassment, those accused largely don’t face serious consequences. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2025 The Department of War has zero tolerance for it. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zero tolerance

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zero tolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20tolerance. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on zero tolerance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!