trade-off or tradeoff is an English expression that means the act of choosing one thing over another and is often translated as "lose-and-win".
O trade-off it implies a choice conflict and a consequent commitment relationship, because choosing one thing over another implies not enjoying the benefits of the thing that is not chosen. This implies that for the trade-off, the element that makes the choice must know the positive and negative sides of their opportunities.
We are facing a scenario of trade-off when it is necessary to sacrifice something for the greater good, which often causes a kind of dilemma.
One trade-off can occur in various situations in life. For example, a car that is heavier has more stability and safety, but in principle it slows down and consumes more fuel. Thus, a positive aspect is lost but others are acquired. The same happens in the case of athletics, because if an athlete chooses to run the marathon, he will not be successful if want to compete in the 100 meters, because your physiological structure will be adapted to participate in the marathon. In the latter case, the athlete decides to exchange the 100 meters for the marathon.
trade-off in the economy
Within the scope of economy, the expression trade-off it is often described as opportunity cost, as it represents what a person does not enjoy because of choosing another.
A related theme is the Phillips Curve, which indicates that some economic policies to reduce the unemployment rate would imply an increase in the inflation rate.
trade-off in Logistics
At logistics, a trade-off implies a cost for a given company, because it has to invest to improve several aspects. of the business (such as equipment, training of workers, improving structures and transport, etc.). Despite that, this trade-off it will pay off in the medium and long term, because it will enable the organization to grow and increase its profitability.