zero-sum

adjective

ze·​ro-sum ˈzir-(ˌ)ō-ˈsəm How to pronounce zero-sum (audio)
ˈzē-(ˌ)rō-
: of, relating to, or being a situation (such as a game or relationship) in which a gain for one side entails a corresponding loss for the other side
dividing up the budget is a zero-sum game

Did you know?

Does game theory sound like fun? It can be—if you are a mathematician or economist who needs to analyze a competitive situation in which the outcome is determined by the choices of the players and chance. Game theory was introduced by mathematician John von Neumann and economist Oskar Morgenstern in their 1944 book The Theory of Games and Economic Behavior. In game theory, a zero-sum game is one, such as chess or checkers, where each player has a clear purpose that is completely opposed to that of the opponent. In economics, a situation is zero-sum if the gains of one party are exactly balanced by the losses of another and no net gain or loss is created; however, such situations in real life are rare.

Examples of zero-sum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Investing in your workforce within a culture of continuous learning is not a zero-sum game. Bijal Shah, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024 Strategic competition between world powers should not result in a zero-sum outcome for the global economy. Vasuki Shastry, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 But by trying to avoid how Trump’s past reflects his current approach to politics—his zero-sum relationship to power, his pettiness and egotism—while simultaneously winking at viewers’ knowledge of him, the film lands itself in a trap. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024 Related Articles Warriors’ Kerr ‘not worried’ as Wiggins ruled out for preseason opener Steve Kerr opens up on championship-or-bust culture: ‘This is not a zero-sum game’ Warriors took their preseason training camp to Hawaii. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zero-sum 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zero-sum.' 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

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zero-sum was in 1944

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Dictionary Entries Near zero-sum

Cite this Entry

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

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