What is the primary disadvantage of lossy compression?

The primary disadvantage of lossy compression is that it can eliminate certain details and quality. This type of compression works by removing some data from the original file to reduce its size. While this reduction can significantly lower the file size and make it easier to store and share, it also means that some information is permanently lost. This loss can affect the overall quality of the audio or visual content, leading to artifacts or diminished clarity that may not be acceptable depending on the intended use of the file.

For instance, in audio files, certain frequencies might be discarded, which can affect the listening experience, while in images, details might become blurred or pixelated. In contrast, lossless compression retains all original data, allowing for perfect reconstruction but resulting in larger files, which is not the case with lossy formats. Consequently, the potential loss of quality is a critical factor when choosing between compression methods, especially in professional settings where fidelity is crucial.