zero-sum game

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a game in which the sum of the winnings and losses of the various players is always zero, the losses being counted negatively.

zero-sum game

noun

1. (in game theory) a contest in which one person's loss is equal to the other person's gain

zero-sum game

1. A game in which the sum of the winnings by all the players is zero. In a zero-sum game, a gain by one player must be matched by a loss by another player. Poker is a zero-sum game if the house does not take a cut as a charge for playing.

zero-sum game

1. A game in which the winnings of some players must equal the losses of the others. Zero-sum games are mentioned in a political context when it is believed that resources are limited, and every decision will produce both winners and losers. In such situations, political decisions will be made on the basis of trade-offs between competing interests.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zero-sum game¹

First recorded in 1940–45

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

His goal is effectively a zero-sum game with the West.

From Salon

“It can lead to a situation where politics is seen as a zero-sum game. People see more of an existential threat from the other side, and that makes people unhappy about democracy.”

From Seattle Times

Our work creating opportunities is not a zero-sum game.

From Seattle Times