trade-off
noun
the exchange of one thing for another of more or less equal value, especially to effect a compromise.
trade-offs
-
pluralof trade-off.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even with the trade-offs, Tanner believes a bigger existential risk is doing nothing to address Aspen’s runway troubles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
As federal investigators try to determine the cause of the crash, island residents are mourning the dead and confronting the trade-offs of life so isolated from the rest of Southern California.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026
As demand for AI grows, who benefits and what are the trade-offs?
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026
“People are worried about their future, families are being forced to make difficult financial trade-offs because of rising premiums, and voters want lawmakers to address the crisis,” he added.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 9, 2026
But my father was innately cautious, aware of the trade-offs, understanding the need to maintain some savings for a rainy day.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
