Which of these best describes an opportunity cost?

A. a win-win

B. a loss

C. a chance

D. a trade-off

Answer is D. A trade-off. Opportunity cost is what you give up in one thing, to gain in another thing. It could be, money, time or potential reward. So if a person skips college to play professional basketball, their opportunity cost is; potential lost wages that could've been earned by gaining college degree and education that's gained in college. By giving up on potential gains from college education, a professional basketball player might earn fame and professional athlete's fortune.