Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

lossy

adjective
/ˈlɒsi/
Definition
Lossy refers to a type of data compression that reduces file size by permanently eliminating certain information.
Examples
  • The JPEG image format is an example of a lossy compression method.
  • Streaming music services often use lossy formats to save bandwidth.
  • Lossy video codecs can substantially reduce the size of video files.
Meaning
In lossy compression, some quality is lost in exchange for a smaller file size, which is often sufficient for the intended use, such as audio or video streaming.
Synonyms
  • Approximate
  • Degraded
  • Reduced