zero-tolerancehttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zero-tolerance_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezero tolerance, n.
Revised 2018

zero tolerancenoun

Originally U.S.
  1. 1.
    1940–
    Complete lack of tolerance for something; a stated policy of non-acceptance with regard to a specified situation, activity, substance, etc.
    1. 1940
      Northern states have set ‘zero tolerance’ as the goal for certified seed potatoes which are as free of the disease as in humanly possible.
      Lawrence (Kansas) Daily Jrnl.-World 14 February 1/8
    2. 1963
      Heptachlor..is even more toxic and has been given a ‘zero tolerance’ by the FDA; that is, not even the slightest trace of heptachlor is permitted on food.
      Popular Mechanics June 87/1
    3. 1972
      Federal officials..say the calculations..were based on ‘assuming zero tolerance’ from now on for ineligibility and overpayments.
      New York Times 6 December 22/1
    4. 1993
      It can establish a zero tolerance that means none of the chemical is permitted in any crop.
      R. L. Zimdahl, Fundamentals of Weed Science xviii. 369
    5. 2001
      It measures its performance on zero tolerance of cancellations, but allows trains to run four hours late.
      Modern Railways February 14/2
  2. 2.
    1972–
    spec. Complete lack of tolerance for, or non-acceptance of, abusive, anti-social, or criminal behaviour, esp. the use of illegal drugs, typically enforced by strict and uncompromising application of the law; a stated policy of this kind, designed to eliminate such behaviour.
    1. 1972
      We need strong leadership from young officers and so we have zero tolerance for pot here.
      El Paso (Texas) Herald-Post 13 June d1/4
    2. 1981
      There is what is called a ‘zero tolerance’ for any form of drug use among nuclear sub crewmen.
      Associated Press Newswire (Nexis) 14 July
    3. 1988
      The Reagan administration calls its new drug policy ‘zero tolerance’, meaning that planes, vehicles and vessels may be confiscated for carrying even the smallest amount of a controlled substance.
      Time Australia (Sydney) 23 May 49/2
    4. 1993
      Ms. Campbell said that her government will show ‘zero tolerance’ of violence against women.
      Globe & Mail (Toronto) 31 August a4/1
    5. 2008
      There are boundaries you cannot cross and one is this country's zero tolerance on knives.
      G. Brown in Times 14 January 5/1

Originally published as part of the entry for zero, n. & adj.

zero tolerance, n. was revised in June 2018.

zero tolerance, n. was last modified in December 2024.