Definition

Not able to produce plants or crops; lacking the ability to support growth.

Example

The soil in that area is unfertile, making it difficult to grow any vegetables.

Conversation

I heard that the soil in this area is quite unfertile for planting.

Really? That sounds disappointing for farmers.

Yeah, it's tough when you want to grow something but the land won't support it.

Absolutely, they might need to find better locations or improve the soil somehow.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unfertile → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "fertile" (from Latin "fertilis", meaning fruitful or productive). The word "unfertile" means not fruitful or lacking the ability to produce crops or offspring.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'fruitful' ('fertilis') — that's why unfertile means not able to produce.

Visually Confused Words