trade-off

noun

ˈtrād-ˌȯf 

1

: a balancing of factors all of which are not attainable at the same time

the education versus experience trade-off which governs personnel practices

—H. S. White

2

: a giving up of one thing in return for another : exchange

trade off transitive verb

Synonyms

• back-and-forth
• barter
• commutation
• dicker
• exchange
• quid pro quo
• swap
• trade
• truck

Examples of trade-off in a Sentence

a trade-off in which a company got a celebrity spokesperson and a fading star got some much-needed cash

Recent Examples on the Web

The trade-off will involve sharing more direct financial data with retailers, raising important questions about privacy and security. —Justin Grooms, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024

Flashback: At least one senior member of the incoming administration is well-versed in this trade-off. —Neil Irwin, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024

The earning potential of annuities is often capped as a trade-off for providing guaranteed income. —Aaron Cirksena, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Rather, Hay told CNN in an email, the study suggests that the most effective seed launch relies on a trade-off between pressure from fluid accumulation and other distinct changes that prepare the fruit for that eruptive moment. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

trade-off

noun

ˈtrād-ˌȯf

1

: a balancing of things all of which cannot be had at the same time

2

: a giving up of one thing in return for another