infertile

adjective

in·​fer·​tile (ˈ)in-ˈfər-tᵊl 

: not fertile or productive

infertile eggs

infertile fields

especially : incapable of or unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy

infertile couples

infertility

ˌin-(ˌ)fər-ˈti-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms of infertile

• sterile
• barren

Examples of infertile in a Sentence

an infertile cow is of limited use to a farmer

only parched, infertile fields remained after months of drought

Recent Examples on the Web

Queen wasps can live up to a year, while worker wasps, infertile females that build and defend the nest, live two to three weeks. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 May 2026

The fact that [Ruben] is infertile and what that means to his manhood, and his ability to be masculine and reproduce and have a son. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026

Quinoa grows even in lean, infertile soil and usually doesn't need additional fertilizer in most areas. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2026

Women of ideal reproductive age who are infertile, while others in their 40s have no problem conceiving. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for infertile

• fertile
• hurtle
• kirtle
• myrtle
• turtle

Kids Definition

infertile

adjective

in·​fer·​tile (ˈ)in-ˈfərt-ᵊl 

: not fertile or productive : barren

infertility

ˌin-(ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

infertile

adjective

in·​fer·​tile (ˈ)in-ˈfərt-ᵊl 

: not fertile

especially : incapable of or unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy over a considerable period of time (as a year) in spite of determined attempts by heterosexual intercourse without contraception

infertile couples

an infertile male with a low sperm count

an infertile female with blocked fallopian tubes

compare sterile sense 1

infertility

ˌin-(ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē 

noun

plural infertilities