What is Trade-off?

A definition of Trade-off

“A trade-off refers to the situation where to gain some advantage, you must give up another. It involves balancing between different factors or situations where any gain comes with a cost.”

Trade-off in Business Glossary - What is a Trade-off?

Business Glossary > What is Trade-off?


Examples of Trade-off in a Sentence:

Deciding between higher education and joining the workforce involves a trade-off.

Investors often experience a trade-off between risk and return.

Choosing renewable energy over traditional resources presents a trade-off between cost and sustainability.

Why is Trade-off Important in Business?

Understanding trade-offs is crucial for decision-making in business, as it helps stakeholders weigh options, assess opportunity costs, and choose strategies that align with their goals and resources.

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Associated Terms

Here are some associated business terms and synonyms for “Trade-off”:

  • Compromise
  • Balance
  • Opportunity Cost

Amazon Trade-off

Amazon faces a trade-off between improving delivery speed and increasing logistic costs. To maintain customer satisfaction, they balance these factors effectively through innovations and data-driven logistics management.

Final Notes on Trade-off

Recognizing trade-offs helps companies make sound decisions that reflect their priorities and market positioning.

This understanding is vital as it may affect long-term success and sustainability in a competitive business environment.


This has been a definition of Trade-off meaning.

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