tradeoffs

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Compromises in which you accept less of one good thing in order to have more of another.

   Grammar: Plural of tradeoff; often 'between' two things: tradeoffs between speed and cost.

   Patterns

   • tradeoffs between something and something
   • tradeoffs of something

   There are tradeoffs between speed and accuracy in any exam.

   Every design involves tradeoffs between weight and strength.

   Living in a big city has tradeoffs: more jobs but higher rent.

2. 2nounplural

   Costs or disadvantages that come together with a benefit you have chosen.

   Grammar: Often used with 'with': the tradeoffs that come with a decision.

   Patterns

   • the tradeoffs of something
   • tradeoffs that come with something

   Working from home has tradeoffs, such as feeling isolated.

   Be aware of the tradeoffs before you sign the contract.

   Cheaper flights often come with tradeoffs like early departures.

Word forms

Common combinations

weigh the tradeoffs

Please weigh the tradeoffs before choosing a plan.

make tradeoffs

Families make tradeoffs when money is tight.

difficult tradeoffs

The city faces difficult tradeoffs between housing and parks.

tradeoffs between cost and quality

There are always tradeoffs between cost and quality.

accept the tradeoffs

If you want a small phone, you accept the tradeoffs.

Synonyms and how they differ

compromises

A compromise is an agreement where both sides give something up, while a tradeoff is the giving up itself.

sacrifices

Sacrifices stress the loss and sound more serious, whereas tradeoffs are a balanced exchange.

drawbacks

Drawbacks are only the negative side, while tradeoffs include what you gain too.

concessions

Concessions are things given up to another person, often in a negotiation.

Opposites

Word family

tradeoff noun

a single compromise of this kind

trade off verb

to give up one thing for another

trade noun

the buying and selling of goods

trade verb

to exchange one thing for another

Commonly confused: tradeoffs or trade-in?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “tradeoffs”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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