What does the phrasal verb “zero out” mean?

What are the definitions of “zero out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Cut off funding for a project.

  The debt was ZEROED OUT by the department.

• 2. Reduce to zero, cancel, remove.

  The entry was ZEROED OUT of the database.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “zero out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb zero out is to reduce something to zero, cancel, or remove it. This can refer to eliminating a debt, removing an entry from a database, or cutting off funding for a project.

What are the different verb forms of “zero out”?

Root Verb	zero out
Third Person Singular Present	zeroes out
Present Participle	zeroing out
Simple Past	zeroed out
Past Participle	zeroed out

Example

The manager decided to zero out the budget for the project.

Example

She zeroes out the old data before starting a new analysis.

Example

He is zeroing out the remaining balance on the account.

Example

They zeroed out the debt last month.

Example

The entry has been zeroed out of the system.

What kind of phrasal verb is “zero out”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“zero out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The company zeroed out the old inventory.

Example

She zeroed out the remaining balance on her credit card.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“zero out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The company zeroed out the old inventory.

Example

She zeroed out the remaining balance on her credit card.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “zero out”?

Zero out a balance

To pay off a debt or balance completely, leaving no remaining amount.

Example

After years of hard work, she finally zeroed out her student loan balance.

Zero out an account

To remove all funds or assets from an account, leaving it empty.

Example

The thief zeroed out the victim's bank account in a matter of hours.

Zero out a budget

To eliminate funding for a project or department, often as a cost-saving measure.

Example

The government decided to zero out the budget for the controversial program.

Good things to know

Does “zero out” have an informal or formal tone?

Zero out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in financial, technical, and business settings, but can also be used in everyday conversations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “zero out”?

Synonyms

• eliminate
• cancel
• remove
• clear
• nullify
• reset
• erase
• wipe out

Antonyms

• increase
• restore
• reinstate
• fund
• allocate
• replenish
• reestablish
• add