# zero

/ˈziɹoʊ/ (US) · /zˈiəɹəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/zero
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the number 0

numeral · CEFR A2

the number that comes before one and means no quantity at all.

For teachers: the cardinal number representing the absence of quantity or the additive identity in arithmetic.

- The temperature dropped to zero degrees during the night.
- In binary code, every piece of data is represented by a sequence of ones and zeros.

### 2. starting point

noun · CEFR B1

the point on a scale where measuring begins.

For teachers: the origin point on a graduated scale or coordinate system from which measurements are calculated.

- We need to find the zero point on the ruler before we start measuring.
- The researchers established a baseline at year zero to track the long-term environmental changes in the valley.

### 3. unimportant person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

a person who is seen as having no importance or influence.

For teachers: a person perceived as insignificant, ineffective, or lacking in social status.

- He felt like a total zero after he lost his job and his car.
- The protagonist begins the novel as a social zero, ignored by his peers until a chance encounter changes his fortunes.

### 4. to reset

verb · CEFR B2

to set a counter or a machine back to 0.

For teachers: to adjust an instrument or account so that it registers zero.

- You should zero the scales before you weigh the next ingredient.
- The technician had to zero the pressure gauge manually to ensure the readings remained accurate during the experiment.

### 5. none at all

adjective · CEFR B1

not any; having no amount of something.

For teachers: amounting to nothing; used to indicate a total absence of a quality or quantity.

- There is zero chance of rain today according to the weather report.
- The company has a zero tolerance policy regarding harassment in the workplace.

### 6. no calories

adjective · CEFR B1

used to describe drinks or food that have no sugar or calories.

For teachers: denoting a version of a foodstuff, typically a soft drink, formulated to contain no calories or sugar.

- I prefer the taste of the zero version of this cola.
- The marketing campaign focused on the new zero-calorie range to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

## Examples

- The temperature dropped to zero last night.
- After paying all the bills this month, the balance in my savings account is exactly zero.
- In mathematical theory, zero serves as both a placeholder in positional notation and a unique number that represents the additive identity element.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.