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Zero-shot prompting

Using AI Last reviewed 2026-06-11

Definition Asking an AI model to perform a task with instructions alone—no worked examples included in the prompt. The model relies entirely on what it learned in training to understand the request.

In more depth

Zero-shot prompting works well for tasks common in the model's training, such as summarizing or translating, and it is how most people naturally use chatbots. For specialized formats or judgment calls—classifying clauses against firm-specific criteria, for instance—results often improve when examples are added, turning the request into few-shot prompting. Comparing zero-shot and few-shot results is a quick way to test whether a task needs more guidance.

Related terms

Few-shot promptingPrompt engineeringPrompt

About the editor: MHSB Solutions, Research desk. MHSB Solutions is not a law firm. This glossary is educational information, not legal advice.

Educational information, not legal advice. AI terminology and tools change quickly; definitions reflect usage as of the last-updated date. For what bar associations and courts actually require of lawyers using AI, see legalaicompliance.help and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.