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.
This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 2025 This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior. Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025 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 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 16 Dec. 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!