trade-off

or trade·off

[ treyd-awf, -of ]

noun

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

trade-off

noun

1. an exchange, esp as a compromise

Word History and Origins

Origin of trade-off¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

William can probably handle it, but will Kate be as happy to make such a vacation trade-off?

From The Daily Beast

To be sure, the trade-off for adhering to Chinese restrictions is a lucrative market of professionals.

From The Daily Beast

As a trade-off for those funds, Galactic is committed to creating a Spaceport in Abu Dhabi—a place that loves excess.

From The Daily Beast

The problem with religious law, of course, is that it allows for none of these value trade-off discussions.

From The Daily Beast

It's not that they're making a trade-off between this and another piece of jewelry.

From The Daily Beast

Garen was a part of the Mekinese empire which was not encouraged to trade off-planet except through Mekin.

From Project Gutenberg

High prices are an implicit trade-off favouring small, elite, select, rich world clientele.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arbitrate
• intercede
• interfere
• intervene
• negotiate
• resolve