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Infertile: meaning, definitions and examples

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infertile

 

[ɪnˈfɜːrtaɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

biological reproduction

Not capable of producing offspring; unable to conceive or impregnate.

Synonyms

barren, sterile, unfruitful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infertile

Used to describe both land and people/animals that cannot produce offspring. Commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.

  • The doctors told the couple that they were infertile.
  • The region has infertile soil, making farming difficult.
barren

Often used to describe land that is unable to support crops or vegetation. Can also describe a woman who cannot have children, though this usage may have a negative or old-fashioned connotation.

  • The desert is a barren landscape with little to no vegetation.
  • They lived on a barren island with no trees.
sterile

Commonly used in medical contexts to describe a person or animal that cannot reproduce. Also used to describe something that is free from bacteria or germs.

  • The operation left him sterile, eliminating his chances of having children.
  • The surgical tools must be sterile before use.
unfruitful

Used to describe something that does not produce results or success. Can apply to both biological contexts and more abstract concepts like efforts or discussions.

  • Despite their efforts, their search remained unfruitful.
  • The unfruitful tree in the garden was eventually cut down.

Examples of usage

  • Many couples struggle with infertility and seek medical assistance for help.
  • The infertile soil made it difficult for the farmers to grow crops.
Context #2 | Adjective

land or soil

Not able to support the growth of plants; lacking in nutrients or fertility.

Synonyms

barren, sterile, unproductive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infertile

Used mostly in a medical or biological context to describe a person, animal, or land that cannot produce offspring or yield crops.

  • The couple went to see a doctor because they were having trouble conceiving and found out they were infertile
  • The soil in this region is infertile, making it difficult for farmers to grow crops
barren

Often describes land that is unable to support plant life, but can also refer to a woman unable to have children. It has a slightly negative connotation when used for people.

  • The desert is a barren landscape, with little vegetation or wildlife
  • She felt a deep sadness when she learned she was barren and could not have children
unproductive

Commonly used to refer to a lack of productivity in work or activities, not typically related to biological reproduction.

  • The meeting was unproductive because no decisions were made
  • This investment has been unproductive and hasn’t yielded any returns
sterile

Used in medical contexts to describe the inability to conceive, can also describe environments free from germs or bacteria.

  • After multiple tests, the doctors concluded that he was sterile
  • The operating room must be sterile to reduce the risk of infection

Examples of usage

  • The infertile land was abandoned by the farmers.
  • The desert is known for its infertile soil.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'infertile' comes from the Latin 'infertilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'fertilis' means 'fruitful' or 'able to produce'.
  • The concept of fertility spans across languages, often linking back to agriculture and the ability to produce crops as well as offspring.

Science

  • Infertility can affect both men and women equally, though causes vary: women might have issues with ovulation, while men may have low sperm count.
  • Age plays a significant role, as women's fertility usually declines after age 35, while men's fertility may gradually decrease as they age but is less pronounced.
  • Environmental factors like exposure to pollutants and lifestyle choices such as smoking and obesity can also negatively impact fertility.

Psychology

  • Experiencing infertility can lead to significant emotional stress, often resulting in feelings of grief, anxiety, and isolation for couples.
  • Support groups provide a space for those facing infertility to share their experiences and cope with societal pressures around parenthood.

Literature

  • Infertility has been a recurring theme in literature, symbolizing unfulfilled desire and the complexities of human relationships, as seen in works like 'The Handmaid’s Tale' by Margaret Atwood.
  • Many poets have explored the heartbreak associated with infertility, including contemporary writers who use personal experiences to shed light on the emotional impact.

Culture

  • Different cultures have various beliefs about infertility, sometimes linking it to spiritual causes or societal stigma, influencing how affected individuals are treated.
  • Infertility treatments vary around the world, with some cultures emphasizing traditional remedies while others lean toward advanced reproductive technologies.

Translations

Translations of the word "infertile" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infértil

🇮🇳 बाँझ

🇩🇪 unfruchtbar

🇮🇩 mandul

🇺🇦 безплідний

🇵🇱 niepłodny

🇯🇵 不妊

🇫🇷 infertile

🇪🇸 estéril

🇹🇷 kısır

🇰🇷 불임의

🇸🇦 عقيم

🇨🇿 neplodný

🇸🇰 neplodný

🇨🇳 不育

🇸🇮 neploden

🇮🇸 ófrjór

🇰🇿 бедеу

🇬🇪 უმწიფარი

🇦🇿 sonsuz

🇲🇽 estéril

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,915, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.