zero-based

adjective

ze·​ro-based ˈzir-(ˌ)ō-ˈbāst How to pronounce zero-based (audio)
ˈzē-(ˌ)rō-
variants or zero-base
ˈzir-(ˌ)ō-ˈbās How to pronounce zero-based (audio)
ˈzē-(ˌ)rō-
: having each item justified on the basis of cost or need
zero-based budgeting

Examples of zero-based in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One is a zero-base budget that would require justification for spending in every government agency. Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024 One of them is zero-base budgeting, which is something that gets thrown around at the federal level a lot. Dominic Pino, National Review, 11 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zero-based.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zero-based was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near zero-based

Cite this Entry

“Zero-based.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero-based. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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