infertile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infertile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an inability to conceive children or produce offspring, often in a biological or agricultural context. Example: "The couple sought medical advice after discovering that one partner was infertile."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most HESCs are derived from embryos that were created for infertility treatment but that were in excess of what the infertile individual(s) ultimately needed to achieve a pregnancy.

SEP

To summarise the plot, barely: our resurrected Belacqua is first accosted by a prostitute called Zabarovna Privet, then the infertile Lord Gall of Wormwood, and finally, as his own headstone, the groundsman/gravedigger Doyle (who, the text tells us, had appeared unnamed in "Draff", the final story in Pricks).

The Guardian - Books

Such infertile and adoptive "marriages" rest on a decoupling of actual sex and the rearing of children.

The Economist

The 45-year-old doctor, who was told 13 years ago that she was infertile, is now a licensed herbalist and acupuncturist as well as a physician and the mother of an 11-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy, both conceived "alternatively".

The Economist

While Mr McInerney does drop the odd ironic detail an argument over whether Israeli or American military gas masks are more reliable in the main he relates his story with po-faced earnestness.A would-be screenwriter married to an editor who runs with Salman Rushdie's set, Corrine was left infertile by a bout of anorexia and has borne twins only with the help of her sister's implanted eggs.

The Economist

Why let an infertile or postmenopausal woman marry a man, but begrudge a wedding ceremony for a lesbian couple anxious to have kids?

The Economist

If bigger trials confirm Dr Doody's results, then many more infertile women than now will find the cost of IVF within their reach.

The Economist

Of an admittedly small sample of 37 infertile women in his study, two-thirds became pregnant after a single incubation, regardless of which method was employed.

The Economist

Yet infertile people in the country where it all began are among the least likely in the rich world to receive what is now a standard treatment for their condition.

The Economist

The report noted Mr Misick's reputation for enjoying a "Hollywood lifestyle" and said his spending habits "far exceeded his salary and allowances".Thirty years ago the islanders scratched a living from infertile soil, salt pans and fishing.

The Economist

In Britain, for example, paying surrogates is illegal, and an infertile couple cannot advertise to find one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a condition or state of being, use "infertile" to accurately convey the inability to produce offspring or results. Ensure the context is clear, specifying whether you are referring to individuals, land, or ideas.

Common error

While both terms indicate an inability to reproduce, "infertile" often implies a potential for restored fertility, whereas "sterile" suggests a permanent condition. Use "sterile" when referring to something that is completely free from living organisms or permanently unable to reproduce.

Linguistic Context

The word "infertile" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of lacking fertility or the ability to produce offspring, results, or growth. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage across various contexts, from describing individuals to soil.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "infertile" is an adjective primarily used to describe the inability to produce offspring, growth, or results. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal tone. While synonyms like "sterile" and "barren" exist, "infertile" is often favored when implying a potential for restored fertility or productivity, as opposed to a permanent state. Its versatility allows it to describe people, land, and even abstract concepts, making it a valuable term in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infertile soil

Specifically relates to the inability of soil to sustain plant growth.

sterile

Refers specifically to the inability to produce offspring or spores, often in a biological context.

non-fertile

A more technical term, directly indicating the absence of fertility.

barren

Implies an inability to produce vegetation or offspring, often used for land or women.

non-reproductive

General term for the inability to reproduce.

unfruitful

Suggests a lack of positive results or outcomes, applicable in both literal and figurative senses.

unable to conceive

Specifically describes the inability to become pregnant.

unproductive

Describes a lack of output or results, applicable in various contexts like land, work, or investments.

childless

Specifically refers to a person or couple not having children.

seedless

Lacking seeds, implying an inability to reproduce through seeds, usually for plants.

FAQs

How is "infertile" used in a sentence?

The word "infertile" describes something that is not fertile, such as "infertile land" or an "infertile couple" struggling to conceive.

What's the difference between "infertile" and "sterile"?

"Infertile" generally implies a reduced ability to produce offspring or results, whereas "sterile" suggests a complete and often irreversible inability. For example, someone might be "infertile" due to a hormonal imbalance but "sterile" after undergoing a procedure that prevents reproduction.

What are some synonyms for "infertile"?

Some synonyms for "infertile" include "barren", "sterile", "unfruitful", and "unproductive". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "infertile" apply to things other than living beings?

Yes, "infertile" can describe land that is not able to support plant growth or even ideas that are not productive or generating new insights.