infertile

in·fer·tile

adj \(ˈ)in-ˈfər-t^əl\

Definition of INFERTILE

: not fertile or productive <infertile eggs> <infertile fields>; especially : incapable of or unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy <infertile couples>

— in·fer·til·i·ty \ˌin-(ˌ)fər-ˈti-lə-tē\ noun

Examples of INFERTILE

1. <an infertile cow is of limited use to a farmer>
2. <only parched, infertile fields remained after months of drought>

Origin of INFERTILE

Middle French, from Late Latin infertilis, from Latin in- + fertilis fertile

First Known Use: 1597

Related to INFERTILE

Synonyms: barren, fruitless, impotent, sterile, unfruitful

Antonyms: fat, fertile, fruitful

Related Words: altered, desexed, neutered, sterilized; castrated, emasculated, gelded; spayed; unproductive

Near Antonyms: fecund, luxuriant, productive, prolific; enriched, fertilized, rich; impregnated, pregnant; potent; bearing, producing, yielding; blooming, bursting, flourishing, swarming, teeming

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Rhymes with INFERTILE

crape myrtle, cross-fertile, sand myrtle, sea turtle, self-fertile, turn turtle, wax myrtle