Infertile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
infertile
[ษชnหfษหrtaษชl ]
Definitions
biological reproduction
Not capable of producing offspring; unable to conceive or impregnate.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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infertile |
Used to describe both land and people/animals that cannot produce offspring. Commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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?
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.
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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.
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unproductive |
Commonly used to refer to a lack of productivity in work or activities, not typically related to biological reproduction.
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sterile |
Used in medical contexts to describe the inability to conceive, can also describe environments free from germs or bacteria.
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Examples of usage
- The infertile land was abandoned by the farmers.
- The desert is known for its infertile soil.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 Handmaidโs 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.
Origin of 'infertile'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'infertile' originates from the Latin word 'infertilis', meaning 'unfruitful' or 'barren'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe the inability to conceive or produce offspring, as well as the incapacity of land to support plant growth.
See also: fertileness, fertility, fertilization, fertilize, fertilizer, infertility.