net-zero

adjective

net-ze·​ro ˈnet-ˈzē-(ˌ)rō How to pronounce net-zero (audio)
-ˈzir-(ˌ)ō
: resulting in neither a surplus nor a deficit of something specified when gains and losses are added together
net-zero carbon emissions
The General Services Administration has sealed an unusual deal to guarantee achievement of net-zero energy consumption in a federal facility …Charles S. Clark
especially, of buildings : producing enough energy (as through solar panels or passive heating) to offset any energy consumed
By 2020 all new homes built in California will have to be net-zero buildings that produce enough power to offset all their energy needs … K. Kaufmann
Another affordable, net-zero house is under construction in North Minneapolis, and a third is in development at the school. John Cary

Examples of net-zero in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The energy watchdog has also repeatedly warned that no new oil and gas projects are needed to meet global energy demand while achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025 The deal mandates a trajectory to net-zero emissions by 2050, backed by financial penalties and a structured compliance framework. Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 Maersk, the logistics giant responsible for nearly a quarter of global shipping, has responded to pressure from its corporate customers with a plan to reduce carbon emissions by one-third from 2022 to 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2045. Ethan I. Thorpe, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025 Advertisement Advertisement The International Maritime Organization, which regulates international shipping, has set a target for the sector to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by about 2050 and committed to promoting fuels with zero or near-zero emissions. Time, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for net-zero

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of net-zero was in 1936

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Net-zero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/net-zero. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!