infertile

[ in-fur-tlor, especially British, -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

/ ĭn-fûr′tl /

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.

Derived Forms

• inˈfertilely, adverb
• infertility, noun

Other Words From

• in·fertile·ly adverb
• infer·tili·ty in·fertile·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infertile¹

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

Example Sentences

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

But while older women may be infertile, Vance assures us that he doesn't think they need to die quite yet, because they have some value: Raising his kids so that he doesn't have to.

From Salon

The slow-growing trees in the northern Amazon -- with their tall canopies, deep roots and relatively infertile soil -- have adapted to harsh conditions, Chen said, making them hardy in the face of drought.

From Science Daily

The increase in heart disease could stem from the infertility treatments themselves, the underlying medical issues that made patients infertile or some other cause.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• impotent
• sterile