This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
trade-off
or trade·off
[ treyd-awf, -of ]
/ ˈtreɪdˌɔf, -ˌɒf /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
the exchange of one thing for another of more or less equal value, especially to effect a compromise.
COMPARE COMMONLY CONFUSED WORDS
These are smilar words, and share related meanings, but their uses are very different. Click on the buttons to learn more about these commonly confused words.
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of trade-off
First recorded in 1960–65; noun use of verb phrase trade off
Words nearby trade-off
trade journal, trade language, trade-last, trademark, trade name, trade-off, trade on, trade paper, trade paperback, trade plate, trader
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use trade-off in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for trade-off
trade-off
noun
an exchange, esp as a compromise
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for trade-off
tradeoff
What must be given up, and what is gained, when an economic decision is made.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with trade-off
trade off
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]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.