The phrasal verb "zero out on" is primarily used in informal contexts and particularly within North American English, especially in discussions related to finances, mathematics, or data management. It typically describes the act of reducing a value to zero, such as "zeroing out on an account balance" or "zeroing out on a particular quantity" in a financial ledger or budget. This verb can also appear in programming or data analysis contexts, where it might indicate resetting variables or counters to a baseline zero value. Despite its prevalence in technical and financial settings, its use in formal written communication is rare, as more straightforward alternatives such as "eliminate" or "reduce to zero" might be preferred for clarity. Its informal tone makes it useful in conversational speech and in professions where quick, jargon-laden instructions are common. The phrase reflects a direct, action-oriented approach, often used to imply a fresh start or reset.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To focus all attention and effort on a particular subject or objective.
The manager told the team to zero out on increasing sales this quarter.
During the meeting, the board zeroed out on the financial discrepancies that needed addressing.