Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

zero-sum

/zˈiɹoʊsˌʌm/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.16 in modern English

Syllables: ze-ro--sum
IPA: /zˈiɹoʊsˌʌm/

18

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

4

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Of a system, where all gains are offset by exactly equal losses.

noun

Ellipsis of zero-sum game, zero-sum situation, etc.

Example Sentences

"Dalio is right, but somewhat self-serving. If hedge-fund managers are playing a zero-sum game, what is their social utility? […] Can it really be in America’s interest to have so much of its young talent playing a zero-sum game?"
"When disorder reigns, humanity tends toward an extraction system. This kind of existence is one of low trust and zero-sum, where people are replaceable, the past is overlooked, and those who react quickly prevail."

Inflected Forms

zero-sums (plural)

Phrases

zero-sum game zero-based

Frequently Paired Words

zero-based positive-sum win-win negative-sum lose-lose

Questions

How do you pronounce zero-sum?: The recorded pronunciation is /zˈiɹoʊsˌʌm/.
What does zero-sum mean?: Of a system, where all gains are offset by exactly equal losses.

How to pronounce zero-sum

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “zero-sum”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/zˈiɹoʊsˌʌm/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “zero-sum”.
Repeat and practice — Say “zero-sum” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.