zero-based

adjective

ze·​ro-based ˈzir-(ˌ)ō-ˈbāst How to pronounce zero-based (audio)
ˈzē-(ˌ)rō-
variants or zero-base
ˈzir-(ˌ)ō-ˈbās How to pronounce zero-based (audio)
ˈzē-(ˌ)rō-
: having each item justified on the basis of cost or need
zero-based budgeting

Examples of zero-based 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.
One of them is zero-base budgeting, which is something that gets thrown around at the federal level a lot. — Dominic Pino, National Review, 11 Aug. 2023 One is a zero-base budget that would require justification for spending in every government agency. — Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024 This could also cover budgeting, preferably zero-based, which better ensures that each expense is justified before being signed off on. — Richard Okon, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zero-based was in 1962

Rhymes for zero-based

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Browse Nearby Words

zero
zero-based
zero beat
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Cite this Entry

“Zero-based.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero-based. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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