Infertile: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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