diff --git a/libavcodec/avcodec.h b/libavcodec/avcodec.h
index 2085eb63a4..c265d87fe6 100644
--- a/libavcodec/avcodec.h
+++ b/libavcodec/avcodec.h
@@ -2408,12 +2408,16 @@ typedef struct AVCodecContext {
      */
     int bits_per_raw_sample;
 
+#if FF_API_LOWRES
     /**
      * low resolution decoding, 1-> 1/2 size, 2->1/4 size
      * - encoding: unused
      * - decoding: Set by user.
+     *
+     * @deprecated use decoder private options instead
      */
     attribute_deprecated int lowres;
+#endif
 
     /**
      * the picture in the bitstream
diff --git a/libavcodec/version.h b/libavcodec/version.h
index 05ed6d017e..2165a3d061 100644
--- a/libavcodec/version.h
+++ b/libavcodec/version.h
@@ -61,5 +61,8 @@
 #ifndef FF_API_MISSING_SAMPLE
 #define FF_API_MISSING_SAMPLE    (LIBAVCODEC_VERSION_MAJOR < 56)
 #endif
+#ifndef FF_API_LOWRES
+#define FF_API_LOWRES            (LIBAVCODEC_VERSION_MAJOR < 56)
+#endif
 
 #endif /* AVCODEC_VERSION_H */