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Barren Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barren

[ˈbær.ən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

land

Too poor to produce much or any vegetation.

Synonyms

infertile, sterile, unproductive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barren

Used to describe land that cannot produce crops or support plant life. Also can describe a situation, person, or effort that produces no results or lacks creativity.

  • The desert landscape was barren, with not a single tree in sight
  • After months of effort, their search for a new solution remained barren
unproductive

Used to describe a person, effort, or situation that does not produce desired results or yield any significant output.

  • Despite their hard work, the meeting was unproductive and no decisions were made
  • He spent an unproductive afternoon browsing the internet
infertile

Used in agricultural or biological contexts to describe soil that cannot support plant growth or living organisms that cannot reproduce.

  • The infertile soil required significant treatment before it could be used for farming
  • The couple learned they were infertile and sought alternative ways to start a family
sterile

Used in medical or scientific contexts to describe something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms. Can also refer to the inability to reproduce, often in animals or humans.

  • The surgical instruments were sterilized to ensure a sterile environment
  • The lab produced a sterile strain of mice for their research

Examples of usage

  • The land was barren, with no sign of life.
  • The barren desert stretched out for miles.
Context #2 | Adjective

woman

Unable to have children.

Synonyms

childless, infertile, sterile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barren

Used to describe land that cannot produce crops or where nothing can grow. It can also describe a place that is bleak and lifeless.

  • The farmers struggled with the barren land that yielded no crops.
  • The desert is a vast, barren landscape with little to offer.
childless

Used to describe a person or couple who do not have children, often due to choice or circumstance.

  • Despite many attempts, the couple remained childless and decided to adopt.
  • She enjoyed her career and never regretted being childless.
infertile

Used in a medical context to describe a person, animal, or plant that is unable to reproduce naturally. It can also describe soil that cannot sustain plant growth.

  • The doctor informed them that they were infertile and recommended treatment options.
  • The infertile soil was unsuitable for farming.
sterile

Primarily used in a medical or biological context to describe an environment free from bacteria and living microorganisms. When referring to a person or animal, it means unable to reproduce. It also can describe something lacking creativity or vitality, often with a negative connotation.

  • The surgical instruments must be sterile to prevent infections.
  • After the medical procedure, he was left sterile and could not father children.
  • The office had a sterile atmosphere that stifled creativity.

Examples of usage

  • She felt barren after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive.
  • The barren woman longed for a child of her own.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Barren landscapes often symbolize desolation and hopelessness in literature, like in Cormac McCarthy's works.
  • Shakespeare used the concept of barrenness in his poetry to describe emotional emptiness, particularly in terms of love and loss.

Environmental Science

  • Barren areas often arise from factors like desertification, where fertile soil becomes dry due to erosion and lack of water.
  • Certain ecosystems, such as the Arctic tundra, are considered barren due to extreme weather conditions.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, barren lands can be seen as a symbol of abandonment or ruin, inspiring various art forms.
  • Some indigenous tribes view barren areas as sacred, holding spiritual significance despite their lack of visible life.

Psychology

  • The idea of barrenness is sometimes used metaphorically to describe feelings of emptiness or lack in one's life.
  • Barren thoughts can be linked to depression, where individuals feel devoid of creativity or motivation.

Origin of 'barren'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'beorran,' which meant 'to bear or produce,' associating with the idea of land that doesn't produce crops.
  • Barren has roots in the Latin word 'barrens' meaning 'empty or unproductive.'

The word 'barren' originated from the Middle English word 'barayne' meaning 'incapable of producing offspring'. This word has been used since the 13th century to describe land that is unable to support vegetation, as well as women who are unable to conceive. Over time, 'barren' has come to symbolize both physical infertility and a lack of productivity or growth.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,057 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.