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

But to reduce or suspend funding for research into infectious diseases that can have an acute impact on public health, as though all this research is part of a zero-sum game, would be catastrophic.

From Los Angeles Times

"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