zero-sum
adjective
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
Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
Rather than viewing the professional world as a zero-sum game where one person's advancement means another's loss, those with an abundance mindset recognize endless possibilities for career growth and achievement.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Mesmerized by the art of the deal, President Trump thinks that international trade is a zero-sum game with only winners and losers.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Religiosity and secularity are not in a zero-sum relationship: more of one does not necessarily mean less of the other.
—David Campbell, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Zero-sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero-sum. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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