fertility

American  

[fer-til-i-tee] / fərˈtɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the state or quality of being fertile.

2. Biology. the ability to produce offspring; power of reproduction.

   the amazing fertility of rabbits.

3. the birthrate of a population.

4. (of soil) the capacity to supply nutrients in proper amounts for plant growth when other factors are favorable.

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fertility British  

/ fɜːˈtɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the ability to produce offspring, esp abundantly

2. the state or quality of being fertile

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Other Word Forms

• nonfertility noun
• overfertility noun
• prefertility noun
• unfertility noun

Etymology

Origin of fertility

1375–1425; late Middle English fertilite (< Middle French ) < Latin fertilitās. See fertile, -ity

Example Sentences

Russia is in the midst of a demographic crisis, with fertility rates at 1.4 children per woman, far below the 2.1 threshold that demographers say is needed to keep the population at its current level.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

In more recent decades, especially in 2001 and 2011, the census has tracked the modernising economy: commuting patterns, marginal versus main work, education attendance and increasingly detailed disability and fertility data.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The couple's fertility treatment in Northern Cyprus, including medication, hotels and flights, cost an estimated £16,000 in total - with Finn's sperm costing £2,000.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

It lowers out-of-pocket costs and expands the addressable market for fertility treatment, even if total births remain depressed.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Special soil microorganisms are also likely to play a role in its persistent fertility.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• potency
• pregnancy
• productivity
• virility