zero-sum

adjective
ze*ro-sum \ ˈzir-(ˌ)ō-ˈsəm \ ˈzē-(ˌ)rō- \
1944
  • of, relating to, or being a situation (such as a game or relationship) in which a gain for one side entails a corresponding loss for the other side

zero-sum game

noun
zero-sum game \
  • a situation in which one person or group can win something only by causing another person or group to lose it
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