diff --git a/kernel/softlockup.c b/kernel/softlockup.c
index 3953e4aed73..dc0b3be6b7d 100644
--- a/kernel/softlockup.c
+++ b/kernel/softlockup.c
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ static void check_hung_task(struct task_struct *t, unsigned long now)
 	if ((long)(now - t->last_switch_timestamp) <
 					sysctl_hung_task_timeout_secs)
 		return;
-	if (sysctl_hung_task_warnings < 0)
+	if (!sysctl_hung_task_warnings)
 		return;
 	sysctl_hung_task_warnings--;