trade-off

noun

1
: a balancing of factors all of which are not attainable at the same time
the education versus experience trade-off which governs personnel practicesH. S. White
2
: a giving up of one thing in return for another : exchange
trade off transitive verb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is a worthwhile trade-off for fewer and less severe accidents in the long term, underscoring the critical nature of proper ADAS calibrations. Brunno Moretti, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Having one serve would introduce trade-offs about speed and direction, which would only ramp up deeper into games and then sets. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 But locals say the bargain prices and charms make the trade-offs worth it. Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024 The job came with two trade-offs: Hayes would need to relocate to San Francisco, and the base salary was about $220,000 in additional to an annual bonus, starting after her first year, of up to 15% of her total pay, depending on her performance and other company metrics. Morgan Smith, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trade-off 

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade-off was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near trade-off

Cite this Entry

“Trade-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade-off. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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