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.
In the net-zero scenario, the global average emissions intensity falls by more than 50% by 2030, and total emissions fall by over 60%, according to IEA guidance. Simi Thambi​, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 The sustainability pages for Royal Caribbean , MSC Cruises, Carnival and Norwegian all state the companies’ commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. CNN Money, 7 May 2025 Alberta under Smith has challenged federal net-zero emissions timelines and clean energy regulations. Chad De Guzman, Time, 6 May 2025 Driving toward net-zero emissions by 2050 The blended wing body (BWB) aircraft represents a critical component of Delta’s strategy to decarbonize aviation, with its fuel efficiency gains directly supporting the airline’s 2050 net-zero target. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 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

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Cite this Entry

“Net-zero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/net-zero. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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