zero-sum

[US]/[ˈzɪərəː ˈsʌm]/
[UK]/[ˈzɪroʊ ˈsʌm]/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n.A situation in game theory or economics in which one participant’s gain or benefit is exactly balanced by the loss of another participant.
adj.Describing a situation in which the sum of gains and losses equals zero; a zero-sum game.

Phrases & Collocations

zero-sum game

zero-sum situation

a zero-sum

zero-sum thinking

avoid zero-sum

zero-sum outcome

is zero-sum

be zero-sum

zero-sum approach

pure zero-sum

Example Sentences

the negotiation turned into a zero-sum game where one side had to lose.

in a zero-sum competition, there's only one winner and many losers.

we need to move away from a zero-sum mentality and find collaborative solutions.

the trade war became a zero-sum situation, harming both economies.

it's not always a zero-sum situation; cooperation can benefit everyone.

the zero-sum approach to resource allocation created unnecessary conflict.

we avoided a zero-sum outcome by finding common ground.

the political landscape often feels like a zero-sum power struggle.

the zero-sum thinking in the boardroom led to poor decision-making.

it was a zero-sum game of chicken, with both sides risking everything.

we tried to avoid a zero-sum outcome in the merger negotiations.

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