zero

noun
UK: /ˈzɪərəʊ/
US: /ˈzɪroʊ/

  1. The number 0; the lowest possible amount or degree.

    1. The temperature is near zero tonight. [ ] [ ]
    2. The project's progress is close to zero after the funding cut. [ ] [ ]

  2. The point on a scale from which positive and negative quantities are measured.

    1. Sea level is considered zero altitude for many purposes. [ ] [ ]
    2. The experiment started measuring values from a designated zero point. [ ] [ ]

  3. A person who is considered to be of no importance or value.

    1. He felt like a zero in the company. [ ] [ ]
    2. She was treated like a zero until her talents were discovered. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

nought nil nothing
zero verb

  1. To adjust an instrument or device to read zero.

    1. Zero the scale before weighing anything. [ ] [ ]
    2. Make sure to zero the device before starting the experiment for precise results. [ ] [ ]

  2. To aim or direct something (like a weapon) precisely.

    1. He zeroed his rifle before the competition. [ ] [ ]
    2. The sniper carefully zeroed in on the target before firing the shot. [ ] [ ]
zero adjective

  1. Being or relating to the number zero.

    1. The chance of winning is zero. [ ] [ ]
    2. The account balance reached zero after the unexpected expenses occurred. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "zero" in English means: The number 0; the lowest possible amount or degree., The point on a scale from which positive and negative quantities are measured., A person who is considered to be of no importance or value..

The phonetic transcription of "zero" is /ˈzɪərəʊ/ in British English and /ˈzɪroʊ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "zero": nought, nil, nothing.

Example usage of "zero": "The temperature is near zero tonight.". More examples on the page.