zero-sum

adjective

ze·ro-sum ˈzir-(ˌ)ō-ˈsəm

ˈzē-(ˌ)rō-

: of, relating to, or being a situation (such as a game or relationship) in which a gain for one side entails a corresponding loss for the other side

dividing up the budget is a zero-sum game

Did you know?

Does game theory sound like fun? It can be—if you are a mathematician or economist who needs to analyze a competitive situation in which the outcome is determined by the choices of the players and chance. Game theory was introduced by mathematician John von Neumann and economist Oskar Morgenstern in their 1944 book The Theory of Games and Economic Behavior. In game theory, a zero-sum game is one, such as chess or checkers, where each player has a clear purpose that is completely opposed to that of the opponent. In economics, a situation is zero-sum if the gains of one party are exactly balanced by the losses of another and no net gain or loss is created; however, such situations in real life are rare.

Examples of zero-sum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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This is not a zero-sum game — local government can channel market forces to align them with public interests in order to meet housing and development goals. —

Tom Coale, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2025 Proponents of recruiting skilled workers from abroad say tech jobs aren't zero-sum, while hiring foreigners with specialized skills can spur innovation and ultimately create more jobs for U.S.-born workers. —

Julia Ingram, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2025 Of course, the playoffs are a zero-sum game, and only one person will be commemorated Most Valuable Player. —

Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Contrary to much of the current public discourse, immigration does not have to be a zero-sum proposition. —

Amy Pope, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for zero-sum