trade-off — a balance achieved between two desirable but incompatible features; a compromise
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a balance achieved between two desirable but incompatible features; a compromise
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtreɪd ɔːf/
Example Sentences
- The new phone offers a trade-off: better camera but shorter battery life.
- Marriage is the ultimate trade-off: you gain a partner but lose the TV remote forever.
- Living in the city center means a trade-off between convenience and peace.
trade-off
NOUN[/ˈtreɪd ɔːf/]
a balance achieved between two desirable but incompatible features; a compromise
a balance achieved between two desirable but incompatible features; a compromise
Will overtime pay off, or should I take a day off?
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Trade-off emerged as an economics term in mid-20th century America, combining 'trade' (to exchange) and 'off' (to remove or diminish), developing the sense of abandoning one thing to obtain another.
Breakdown
trade (exchange) + off (remove, diminish) = the act of relinquishing one thing in order to gain another, expressing the concept of mutual sacrifice or competing priorities.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The new phone offers a trade-off: better camera but shorter battery life.”
“Marriage is the ultimate trade-off: you gain a partner but lose the TV remote forever.”
“Living in the city center means a trade-off between convenience and peace.”
“Being a superhero involves a trade-off: saving the world but never getting a good night's sleep.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.