Definition

Not having been made fertile or enriched, often referring to eggs or soil that have not received fertilization.

Example

The unfertilized egg will not develop into a chick.

Conversation

Did you know that those eggs are actually unfertilized?

Really? I had no idea they could be like that.

Yeah, it’s interesting how it works in nature.

For sure! I always thought all eggs were fertilized.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unfertilized → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "fertilized" (from Latin "fertilis", meaning fruitful or productive). The word "unfertilized" means not made fruitful or not capable of producing offspring.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'fruitful' ('fertilis') — that's why unfertilized means not capable of producing offspring.

Visually Confused Words