trade-off

noun

\ ˈtrād-ˌȯf

How to pronounce trade-off (audio)

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Definition of trade-off

1 : a balancing of factors all of which are not attainable at the same time the education versus experience trade-off which governs personnel practices— H. S. White

2 : a giving up of one thing in return for another : exchange

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Dictionary Entries near trade-off

trademark infringement

trade places with (someone)

trade publisher

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Time Traveler for trade-off

The first known use of trade-off was in 1909

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trade-off

noun

English Language Learners Definition of trade-off

: a situation in which you must choose between or balance two things that are opposite or cannot be had at the same time

US : something that you do not want but must accept in order to have something that you want

See the full definition for trade-off in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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