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

• 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

When lions and tigers mate in zoos, their liger cubs have suffered heart failure and other health problems (and the males seem uniformly infertile). —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 31 July 2025

Chickweed is an opportunistic weed that also grows in full sun and infertile soil. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025

Studies suggest that around 10% of infertile men have a history of an undescended testicle. —Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025

Though one of the world's most expensive cities, Seoul leads the nation in policies to support infertile couples, offers transportation stipends for pregnant women, and provides housing subsidies to new parents. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025

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