barren
Barren (adj) means not producing crops, plants, or life; unproductive land. Example: “Nothing grew in the barren stretch of desert for miles.”
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.
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.
Word forms
barrener comparative, more barren comparative, barrens plural, barrenest superlative, most barren superlative
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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