what is trade off in economics

In economics, a trade-off refers to a situation where making one choice means losing something else, usually forgoing a benefit or opportunity. It involves a sacrifice that must be made to obtain a certain product, service, or experience. The concept of trade-offs is a core component of economic theory, which studies how we allocate scarce resources and negotiate. Trade-offs are expressed in terms of the opportunity cost of a particular choice, which is the loss of the most preferred alternative given up. Examples of trade-offs include choosing between going to work or continuing education, buying a car, or choosing what to eat at a restaurant