trade-off

American  

[treyd-awf, -of] / ˈtreɪdˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Or tradeoff

noun

1. the exchange of one thing for another of more or less equal value, especially to effect a compromise.

---

trade-off British  

noun

1. an exchange, esp as a compromise

---

trade off Idioms  

1. Exchange one thing for another, especially as a compromise. For example, They were willing to trade off some vacation for the freedom to work flexible hours. This idiom gave rise to tradeoff for “an exchange.” [First half of 1800s]

---

Usage

What is a trade-off? A trade-off is an exchange of one thing for another. A trade-off can be literal, involving physical items, like in a lunch trade-off, where you get your friend’s lunch and they get yours.A trade-off can also be figurative, as when you have to stay home because you’re sick but the trade-off is you get to stay in bed all day. In this sense, a trade-off is a kind of compromise.Example: The big trade-off to running a marathon is getting to eat a lot of pasta!

Etymology

Origin of trade-off

First recorded in 1960–65; noun use of verb phrase trade off

Compare meaning

How does trade-off compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• trade-off vs. opportunity cost

Example Sentences

But, he says, it's a difficult trade-off between minimising disruption for customers versus cost.

From BBC

Yet a complaint took root when the simple math became obvious—the trade-off between the weight of the vehicle and the range of the expensive batteries powering it.

From The Wall Street Journal

High-deductible plans involve a trade-off: they cost less in terms of monthly premiums but require members to pay a higher portion of costs out of pocket until the deductible is reached.

From Barron's

Many leaders are already working to justify these trade-offs, clearly and honestly, to their citizens, and their effort can use the support of Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal

County’s OEM, suggested that a lack of resources led to “trade-offs” and “coordination and communication challenges.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accommodation
• accord
• adjustment
• arrangement
• bargain
• concession
• deal
• pact
• settlement
• understanding