Main Entry: ¹bar·ren

Pronunciation: \ˈber-ən, ˈba-rən\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English bareine, from Anglo-French barain, perhaps of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Welsh brynar fallow land

Date: 13th century

1 : not reproducing: as a : incapable of producing offspring —used especially of females or matings b : not yet or not recently pregnant c : habitually failing to fruit
2 : not productive: as a : producing little or no vegetation : desolate <barren deserts> b : producing inferior crops <barren soil> c : unproductive of results or gain : fruitless <a barren scheme>
3 : devoid, lacking —used with of <barren of excitement>
4 : lacking interest or charm <a barren routine>
5 : lacking inspiration or ideas <a barren mind>

synonyms see bare

— bar·ren·ly adverb

— bar·ren·ness \-ə(n)-nəs\ noun