barren
BA-ruhn
Barren (adj) means not producing crops, plants, or life; unproductive land. Example: “Nothing grew in the barren stretch of desert for miles.”
adj
1
Not producing crops, plants, or life; unproductive land.
"Nothing grew in the barren stretch of desert for miles."
"Years of drought left the fields barren."
2
Lacking in interest, ideas, or results.
"The negotiations proved barren, with neither side willing to compromise."
3
(dated, of a person or animal) Unable to have children or offspring.
"In the old story, the couple prayed for years, believing themselves barren."
How to use barren
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEmpty and unproductive — describing land that grows nothing, or, more figuratively, ideas or efforts that lead nowhere.
When to use it
Using barren to describe a person unable to have children is now considered old-fashioned and can sound harsh; infertile is the more neutral modern term.
Common pairings
barren land
barren landscape
barren wasteland
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Word forms
- Plural
- barrens
- Comparative
- barrener, more barren
- Superlative
- barrenest, most barren
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nothing grew in the _____ stretch of desert for miles.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman baraigne ("sterile"), probably from a Germanic root related to "bare."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for barren
See all rhymes for barren →Frequently asked questions
What does “barren” mean?
The word “barren” means not producing crops, plants, or life; unproductive land. In plain terms, empty and unproductive — describing land that grows nothing, or, more figuratively, ideas or efforts that lead nowhere.
How do you pronounce “barren”?
“Barren” is pronounced BA-ruhn (/ˈbæɹən/ in IPA).
How do you use “barren” in a sentence?
Here is “barren” used in a sentence: “Nothing grew in the barren stretch of desert for miles.”
What is another word for “barren”?
Words with a similar meaning to “barren” include sterile and fruitless.
What is the opposite of “barren”?
The opposite of “barren” — its antonyms — are fertile and fruitful.
What part of speech is “barren”?
“Barren” is an adjective.
Where does the word “barren” come from?
The word “barren” comes from Germanic. From Anglo-Norman baraigne ("sterile"), probably from a Germanic root related to "bare.".
Is “barren” a common word?
“Barren” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
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