infertile
Americanadjective
adjective
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not capable of producing offspring; sterile
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(of land) not productive; barren
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Not capable of reproducing.
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Not capable of developing into a complete organism, as infertile eggs.
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Relating to soil or land that is not capable of supporting or is unfavorable to the growth of plants.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of infertile
From the Latin word infertilis, dating back to 1590–1600. See in- 3, fertile
Explanation
Someone who's infertile isn't able to have children. Plants and animals, as well as humans, are sometimes infertile and can't reproduce naturally. People who are trying to have a baby may find they're unable to because one of them is infertile, or not able to conceive. A woman who's infertile may instead be unable to carry a baby to term. Infertile is a French word, from the Latin infertilis, "unfruitful," from the roots in-, "not," and fertilis, "bearing in abundance."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tens of thousands of people, including infertile and same-sex couples, have had babies through the technological advances of in vitro fertilization and the willingness of surrogates to carry those children.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 28, 2025
Carrillo, 46, had been told by doctors years ago that she was infertile.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 12, 2025
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 ● Nov. 16, 2024
Carrying around little cups of sperm as political protest, to mock infertile people, is most likely a fake scandal, but not being able to have kids easily is rough.
From Slate ● Aug. 23, 2024
Australia is by far the driest, smallest, flattest, most infertile, climatically most unpredictable, and biologically most impoverished continent.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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