- A policy of applying rules or laws strictly, with absolutely no leniency or exceptions allowed, especially regarding forbidden actions or items.
Explanation
Origin
- Emerged prominently in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in the US, related to drug enforcement and later adopted for school policies (weapons, drugs) and workplace rules (harassment).
- Zero signifies absolutely none, and tolerance means allowing or accepting something. Zero tolerance means absolutely no allowance for the prohibited behavior or item.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Describing the attitude):
- No messing around.
- They don't play. (Meaning they are very serious about enforcement)
- Strict AF (Vulgar slang: As Fuck meaning very strict)
More Formal:
- Strict adherence is required.
- Non-negotiable policy.
- Mandatory compliance.
Situational Appropriateness
- Often used in formal contexts like policy documents, official announcements, legal settings, schools, and workplaces.
- Can also be used in informal conversation when discussing these strict rules.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners should understand the absolute nature of this policy – it means *no* leniency, regardless of circumstances. It often bypasses judgment or consideration of context, which can sometimes lead to controversial outcomes.
Examples
- The school has a zero-tolerance policy for weapons on campus.
- Our company maintains zero tolerance for harassment.
- The airport has zero tolerance for undeclared items in luggage.
Dialogue
New Employee: What's the policy on using personal devices during work hours?
Manager: We have zero tolerance for using personal phones in the secure lab area. No exceptions. Outside the lab, it's fine during breaks.
New Employee: Got it. Zero tolerance in the lab. Thanks for clarifying.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Our platform has updated its community guidelines with zero tolerance for hate speech. #Update #Safety
- News Headline: City Council Adopts Zero Tolerance Approach to Illegal Dumping.
- School Website: We enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying and harassment to ensure a safe learning environment.
Response Patterns
- Okay, understood. That's very clear.
- Good, that makes things straightforward.
- Wow, that's strict.
- (If questioning) Are there really no exceptions at all?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing about a zero-tolerance policy:
- Clarifying the exact consequences of violating the policy.
- Discussing the fairness or potential unintended consequences of such a strict policy.
- Ensuring one's own compliance.
Conversation Starter
- Can be used to start a discussion about rules or policies. What do you think about the school's zero-tolerance policy on bullying?
Intonation
- Often spoken with a firm, serious tone. Emphasis on zero.
- ZERO tolerance.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood, particularly since the 1990s when the term became widespread in public discourse (schools, War on Drugs).
Regional Variations
- Common term globally, especially in institutional contexts.