Real Dictionary

trade off
phrasal verb: If you trade off one thing against another, you exchange all or part of one thing for another, as part of a negotiation or compromise.

trade off in American English
to exchange something for or with another

trade-off
countable noun: A trade-off is a situation where you make a compromise between two things, or where you exchange all or part of one thing for another.

trade-off in American English
an exchange; esp., a giving up of one benefit, advantage, etc. in order to gain another regarded as more desirable
noun: the exchange of one thing for another of more or less equal value, esp. to effect a compromise

trade-off in British English
noun: an exchange, esp as a compromise