Damped oscillations refer to the gradual reduction in the amplitude of an oscillating system over time due to energy loss. This energy loss can occur through various mechanisms, such as friction or air resistance, which convert the system's mechanical energy into heat. As a result, the oscillations become less pronounced until they eventually stop. Common examples of damped oscillations include a swinging pendulum that slows down due to air resistance or a mass-spring system that loses energy through internal friction. Understanding damped oscillations is essential in fields like engineering and physics, where controlling vibrations is crucial for system stability.