trade-off

noun

ˈtrād-ˌȯf 

1

: a balancing of factors all of which are not attainable at the same time

Governments face a trade-off between privacy and increasing the effectiveness of tax collection.

—Ricardo Perez-Truglia and Ugo Troiano

2

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

trade off transitive verb

Synonyms of trade-off

• exchange

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

While the smaller size and light weight come with trade-offs, TiStove still looks like an interesting option for those who prefer traveling ultralight while still being able to cook more sophisticated meals in the outdoors. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2026

There might be a point at which that’s worth the trade-off—but a cap as drastic as 10 percent is probably far past that sweet spot. —Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026

The trade-off for that relief is real, though. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026

Leaving either of those bare was a topic of discussion, Carney says; a trade-off between the goal of paying homage to Steinway’s legacy and getting enough hanging space. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for trade-off

• cerenkov
• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff

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