A trade-off is a situational decision that involves diminishing or losing one quality, quantity, or property of a set or design in return for gains in other aspects. In simple terms, a tradeoff is where one thing increases, and another must decrease.

What is an example of a trade-off?

In economics, a trade-off is defined as an "opportunity cost." For example, you might take a day off work to go to a concert, gaining the opportunity of seeing your favorite band, while losing a day's wages as the cost for that opportunity.

What means by 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. Other Words from trade-off Synonyms Learn More About trade-off.