Phrase guide

trade off

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To choose (something) in exchange for something else, where having both at once is not an available option.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • In the entry-level product category, the engineers had to trade off maximal durability for affordable upfront cost.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To choose among options, where having them all at once is not an available option.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • Part of being a competent engineer is knowing how to trade off appropriately among mutually exclusive options, depending on the specified requirements for each design.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.