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Lossy is a computer term describing data compression that permanently discards some data to achieve smaller file sizes. This method is effective for images, audio, and video where small reductions in quality are acceptable, such as in common formats like JPEG or MP3, resulting in faster web loading and storage efficiency. However, this quality loss is irreversible; you cannot restore the original file's full details from the compressed version.

Key characteristics of lossy compression

Irreversible data loss: Information is permanently removed, so the original data cannot be perfectly reconstructed.

Smaller file sizes: It reduces files to a much greater extent than lossless compression, which saves storage space and speeds up transfers.

Trade-off between quality and size: Lossy formats allow for varying compression levels, letting you choose a balance between file size and quality. Higher compression means smaller files but more noticeable loss of detail.

Reduced quality: The discarded data can lead to visible artifacts, blurry details, or less rich audio.