zero-sum game

zero-sum game
noun
a game in which the total of all the gains and losses is zero
Topics: ↑game theory, ↑theory of games
Hypernyms: ↑game

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\\ˈ ̷ ̷(ˌ) ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷-\ noun
: a game in which the cumulative winnings equal the cumulative losses

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Math.
a game in which the sum of the winnings and losses of the various players is always zero, the losses being counted negatively.
[1940-45]

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zero-sum game UK US noun [singular]
a situation in which one person can win only what another person loses
Thesaurus: general words relating to sports and gamessynonym sports events and competitionshyponym

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noun [singular]
: a situation in which one person or group can win something only by causing another person or group to lose it

Dividing up the budget is a zero-sum game.

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ˌzero-ˈsum game f31 [zero-sum game] noun
a situation in which what is gained by one person or group is lost by another person or group

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • zero-sum game — n [singular] a situation in which you receive as much money or advantages as you give away ▪ Diplomatic negotiations often aim at a zero sum game …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • zero-sum game — zero sum ,game noun singular a situation in which one person can win only what another person loses …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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  • zero-sum game — N SING If you refer to a situation as a zero sum game, you mean that if one person gains an advantage from it, someone else involved must suffer an equivalent disadvantage. They believe they re playing a zero sum game, where both must compete for …   English dictionary

  • zero-sum game —  A management game theory in which advantages to one party are exactly equal to the disadvantages suffered by another.  The term was popularized by Lester Thurow’s 1985 book, Zero sum Solution.  ► “The challenge is to turn reengineering from a… …   American business jargon

  • zero-sum game — A branch of *game theory for the systematic analysis, in competitive conditions, of strategies for the optimal selection of alternative courses of action. The participants in a zero sum game have conflicting interests: One participant’s gain is… …   Auditor's dictionary

  • zero-sum game — noun (singular) AmE a situation in which you receive as much money or advantages as you give away: Diplomatic negotiations often aim at a zero sum game …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

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