zero-sum

[ zeer-oh-suhm ]

adjective

1. of or denoting a system in which the sum of the gains equals the sum of the losses:

   a zero-sum economy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zero-sum¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

"We must protect our biosphere - it is not a zero-sum game," he added, pointing to a recent report by the Office for National Statistics that valued UK ecosystems at £1.8tn.

From BBC

Zero-sum thinking is literally classified as a logical fallacy, and the reason why should be obvious given a moment's thought.

From Salon

Trump's relentless repetition of the zero-sum fallacy, however, has sadly convinced many voters that two groups of people are at odds with each other: men and women.

From Salon

Whoever wrote this no doubt thinks it's a cutesy troll, but what's striking is that it's more blunt than any other ad in its zero-sum mentality.

From Salon

Implicit in those ads is a belief that any difference between people, no matter how inconsequential, creates a zero-sum conflict between them, even if there's no rational reason to think their differences should matter.

From Salon