trade-off

as in exchange
a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another a trade-off in which a company got a celebrity spokesperson and a fading star got some much-needed cash

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of trade-off The trade-off is that grid fleece is much less effective in the wind. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 18 Apr. 2025 As President Trump pushes the United States into a trade war with China, the trade-offs are often described as higher consumer prices and inflation versus the potential to bring back manufacturing jobs that Americans lost over the last three decades. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 Often, their doctors haven’t explained how the trade-offs shift with older age and accumulating health problems. The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 When graphed, this data showed an apparent trade-off between inflation and unemployment. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade-off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade-off
Noun
  • While in Spain, Belly and Conrad exchange handwritten letters, which help to re-establish their relationship.
    Alexandra Hurtado, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Le Monde reports that French travelers visiting the U.S. are adapting to the fact that the cost of everything has increased by at least 25% in the past few years by staying for a shorter period, using home exchange sites, plus filling up on a large breakfast, and then buying takeaway sandwiches.
    Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trade-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade-off. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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