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How Does the Concept of “Slippage” in Trading Compare to an Unconfirmed Zero-Fee Crypto Transaction?

Slippage in trading occurs when an order is executed at a price different from the expected or requested price, typically in fast-moving or illiquid markets. An unconfirmed zero-fee crypto transaction is similar in that the intended outcome (confirmation) is uncertain and delayed.

The risk of slippage is analogous to the risk of a zero-fee transaction being dropped or requiring a much higher fee later. Both represent a cost or failure of execution due to a lack of sufficient incentive or liquidity at the time of submission.

In both cases, the user's initial desired outcome is not guaranteed.

How Does Guaranteed Execution Differ from Best Effort Execution in Trading?
How Does a ‘Replace-by-Fee’ (RBF) Transaction Work?
How Does Network Congestion Affect Confirmation Time and Double-Spend Risk?
Does the Delay Introduced by the Scheme Create New Types of Market Risk for the User?