Dictionary

trade–off

noun \ˈtrād-ˌf\

: a situation in which you must choose between or balance two things that are opposite or cannot be had at the same time

: something that you do not want but must accept in order to have something that you want

Full Definition of 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
trade off transitive verb
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First Known Use of TRADE-OFF

1961

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