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.”

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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