trade-off
trade-off — noun
1. Two opposing qualities or factors that are linked, such that gaining more of one
Two opposing qualities or factors that are linked, such that gaining more of one necessarily means giving up some of the other.
When designing a smartphone, manufacturers face a trade-off between battery life and device thickness.
face a trade-off between X and Y
In car design, speed and fuel efficiency are often a trade-off that engineers must manage.
X and Y are a trade-off
Quan knew there would be a trade-off between salary and personal satisfaction when choosing his new job.
Every investment decision involves a trade-off between the level of risk and the potential profit.
The new city plan represents a trade-off between preserving old buildings and creating more housing.
- compromise
more interpersonal; implies both sides give up something to reach an agreement
- balancing act
more informal; emphasises the ongoing effort of keeping multiple competing elements in check
- give-and-take
more conversational; suggests a mutual exchange of concessions
- win-win situation
a scenario where all factors can be satisfied without sacrifice
文法句型
a trade-off (between X and Y)
X and Y are a trade-off
用法筆記
Often paired with 'between' to introduce the two competing elements. The noun is typically used in singular form ('a trade-off') even when multiple factors are involved.
常見錯誤
2. A situation where someone deliberately gives up something desirable in exchange
A situation where someone deliberately gives up something desirable in exchange for something else that matters more to them at that moment.
Tamar accepted the lower starting salary as a trade-off for the opportunity to work abroad.
as a trade-off for
Living in a smaller apartment was a trade-off Devika made in order to save money for graduate school.
The team saw the longer development time as an acceptable trade-off for a more stable final product.
Moving to a noisier neighbourhood was a trade-off the family accepted to be closer to the children's school.
For Theo, the two-hour commute was a trade-off he was willing to make for a house with a large garden.
- exchange
more neutral; does not imply that one thing is sacrificed for another, just swapped
- sacrifice
stronger emotional tone; the thing given up is presented as a loss
- concession
more formal; something granted under pressure or negotiation
- free lunch
informal idiom meaning a benefit obtained without any cost or sacrifice
文法句型
a trade-off (for something)
X is a trade-off (that someone makes) for Y
用法筆記
Commonly follows patterns like 'as a trade-off for' (indicating the thing gained) or 'be a trade-off someone makes for' (emphasizing the voluntary nature of the sacrifice).
常見錯誤
trade-off — phrasal verb
- trade-offbase form
- trade-offs3rd person singular
- trade-offing-ing form
- trade-offedpast simple
1. To compare and adjust two opposing needs, demands, or qualities so that a reason
To compare and adjust two opposing needs, demands, or qualities so that a reasonable balance can be reached, even when neither can be fully satisfied.
Ignacio learned to trade off his desire for a perfect design against the project's tight deadline.
trade off X against Y
Parents often have to trade off what their children want against what is truly best for their development.
The chef trades off traditional cooking methods with modern techniques to create unusual dishes.
Ziad had to trade off material quality against the project budget to complete the building on time.
A good manager knows how to trade off short-term profits against long-term company growth.
文法句型
trade off X against Y
trade off X with Y
trade off X for Y
用法筆記
Unlike the noun form 'trade-off' (hyphenated), the phrasal verb is always written as two separate words: 'trade off'. The object can be placed between 'trade' and 'off' (separable).