lo-fi

British

/ ˈləʊˈfaɪ /

adjective

informal (of sound reproduction) of or giving an impression of poor quality

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of lo-fi

C20: modelled on _hi-fi

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On “Elka,” Tortoise turns to the 4/4 pulse of minimal techno, capturing the lo-fi static of Detroit acts like Drexciya, who fashioned earth-shaking dance tracks from modest equipment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

The result is 1982’s “Nebraska,” the acoustic, lo-fi, homespun record that established Springsteen as an artist for the ages.

From Salon • Oct. 24, 2025

Meanwhile, Dug’s dad was treated to a plush bathrobe and champagne while relaxing in a massage chair as a mix of lo-fi jazz and jungle rock played on the sound system.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2025

It’s relatively quiet but for the whirring of cardio equipment and a blend of lo-fi and electronic pop music on the sound system.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2025

He adds that Spotify is filled with "fake bands making generic music" for its curated playlists, especially in genres like chill-out, lo-fi and relaxation.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2025

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023