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trade-off

noun \ ˈtrād-ˌȯf \

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
—

trade off

transitive verb

See trade-off defined for English-language learners

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First Known Use of trade-off

1909

in the meaning defined at sense 2

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trade-off Synonyms

Synonyms

back-and-forth, barter, commutation, dicker, exchange, quid pro quo, swap, trade, truck;

Related Words

replacement, substitution;

reciprocation, recompense, requital;

bargain, deal, horse trade, negotiation, transaction;

bargaining, dealing, dickering, haggling, horse trading;

logrolling;

TRADE-OFF Defined for English Language Learners

trade-off

noun

Definition of trade-off for English Language Learners

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

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

Learn More about trade-off

  1. See words that rhyme with trade-off Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trade-off

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