trade-off
|trade-off|
🇺🇸
/ˈtreɪdˌɔf/
🇬🇧
/ˈtreɪdˌɒf/
balancing gains and losses
Etymology
'trade-off' is a compound formed in English from 'trade' + 'off', where 'trade' referred to exchange/commerce and 'off' indicated separation or reduction.
'trade' originated in Old English and Middle English senses related to 'track' and then 'commerce'; 'off' comes from Old English 'of' meaning 'away'. The compound 'trade-off' arose in modern English (19th–20th c.) to express the idea of exchanging one thing for another.
Initially formed as a literal compound ('trade' + 'off'), it evolved into an idiomatic noun and verb meaning 'a compromise' or 'to balance by sacrificing one thing for another'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a balance achieved between two desirable but incompatible features; a compromise where gaining one thing requires losing another.
There's always a trade-off between speed and accuracy.
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Noun 2
in economics/decision-making, the opportunity cost involved when choosing one option over another.
When you invest in project A, the trade-off is the potential returns you forgo from project B.
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Verb 1
to give up one thing in exchange for another; to balance two competing factors by sacrificing one for the other.
Teams often trade-off functionality for faster release dates.
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Last updated: 2025/12/28 07:50