Definition
Zero-sum game is the situation where one participant's gain equals another participant's loss. Founders reach for it when a vague conversation needs a shared, specific meaning. Name it clearly, then let the next decision — a hire, a price, a test, or a pass — follow from that meaning.
In the room
How the word shows up in a real conversation.
Two cofounders disagree until they define Zero-sum game. Once they agree it means “Situation where one participant's gain equals another participant's loss”, the argument becomes a decision.
Common mistake
Using Zero-sum game as a label instead of a fact. If you cannot point to the evidence — a number, a customer, or a written assumption — you are using the word as jargon.
See also
Zero tolerance policy
Strict policy that prohibits certain behaviors and imposes immediate consequences.
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Zero-based budgeting
Budgeting method that starts from zero and requires justification for all expenses.
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Zero-coupon bond
Bond that doesn't pay periodic interest but is sold at a discount to its face value.
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Zipf's law
Statistical principle that describes the frequency distribution of elements in a dataset.
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