Decompressing: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in a general sense for reducing stress or tension, as well as in computing to mean extracting data from a compressed file.

• After a long day at work, I like decompressing by reading a book.
• The software is decompressing the file to access the data.

Commonly used to describe making something larger in size, volume, or scope. It doesn't necessarily relate to compressed data.

• They plan to expand their business to new markets next year.
• The file expanded once it was decompressed.

Primarily used in computing for extracting files from a compressed (zipped) format. It has a more casual tone than 'uncompress.'

• Can you unzip this folder for me?
• The tools in this software allow you to easily unzip and organize files.

Specifically used in computing when referring to restoring compressed data to its original form. It's a more technical term.

• Please uncompress the archive to view the documents.
• The utility will uncompress the files in a few minutes.