trade-off
trade-off — 名詞
1. Two opposing qualities or factors that are linked, such that gaining more of one
權衡；取捨
在對立因素間找到平衡
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.
在設計智慧型手機時，製造商面臨電池續航力與機身厚度之間的權衡。
face a trade-off between X and Y
In car design, speed and fuel efficiency are often a trade-off that engineers must manage.
在汽車設計中，速度與燃油效率常是工程師必須處理的取捨問題。
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.
Quan 在選擇新工作時，知道薪資與個人成就感之間需要取捨。
Every investment decision involves a trade-off between the level of risk and the potential profit.
每一項投資決策都涉及風險程度與潛在獲利之間的權衡。
The new city plan represents a trade-off between preserving old buildings and creating more housing.
新的城市計畫代表了保存舊建築與興建更多住宅之間的取捨。
- 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
交換；犧牲
為得到某物而放棄另一物
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.
Tamar 接受了較低的起薪，以換取出國工作的機會。
as a trade-off for
Living in a smaller apartment was a trade-off Devika made in order to save money for graduate school.
住比較小的公寓是 Devika 為了存錢讀研究所所做的犧牲。
The team saw the longer development time as an acceptable trade-off for a more stable final product.
團隊認為較長的開發時間是換取產品更穩定的合理交換。
Moving to a noisier neighbourhood was a trade-off the family accepted to be closer to the children's school.
搬到比較吵雜的社區是這家人為了離孩子學校更近而接受的交換條件。
For Theo, the two-hour commute was a trade-off he was willing to make for a house with a large garden.
對 Theo 來說，兩小時的通勤是他為了擁有大型花園房子而願意付出的代價。
- 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 — 片語動詞
- 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
折衷；平衡
在對立需求間取得平衡
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.
Ignacio 學會了在追求完美設計與專案緊迫時程之間取得折衷。
trade off X against Y
Parents often have to trade off what their children want against what is truly best for their development.
父母常常必須在孩子想要的東西與真正對他們發展最好的事物之間取得平衡。
The chef trades off traditional cooking methods with modern techniques to create unusual dishes.
這位廚師將傳統烹飪方法與現代技術加以折衷，創造出獨特的菜餚。
Ziad had to trade off material quality against the project budget to complete the building on time.
Ziad 必須在材料品質與專案預算之間折衷，才能按時完成大樓建造。
A good manager knows how to trade off short-term profits against long-term company growth.
優秀的主管懂得如何在短期利潤與長期公司成長之間取得平衡。
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).