infertile

[in-fur-tl, -tahyl]

adjective

1. not fertile; unproductive; sterile; barren.

   infertile soil.

infertile

/ ˌɪnfəˈtɪlɪtɪ, ɪnˈfɜːtaɪl /

adjective

1. not capable of producing offspring; sterile

2. (of land) not productive; barren

infertile

1. Not capable of reproducing.

2. Not capable of developing into a complete organism, as infertile eggs.

3. Relating to soil or land that is not capable of supporting or is unfavorable to the growth of plants.

Other Word Forms

• infertilely adverb
• infertility noun
• infertileness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infertile¹

From the Latin word infertilis, dating back to 1590–1600. See in- ³, fertile

Example Sentences

Deya, who ran a church in London, rose to infamy in the early 2000s, following his claim that he could help infertile couples conceive "miracle" babies through prayer.

From BBC

After these infernos, invasive grasses often took over in hardened, infertile soils.

From Salon

The treatment sent me into an early menopause and it was too late to freeze my eggs, so I was told it's almost certain I'm infertile.

From BBC

A hysterectomy would leave Emily infertile and prompt the menopause, which in turn could increase her risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia.

From BBC

The Indian government also opposed the couple’s petition, saying that surrogacy laws in India were meant to assist infertile couples or women, not people who wanted to have a grandchild.

From BBC

Related Words

• impotent 
• sterile