English · Nature & Environment
barren
/ˈbær.ən/
[/ˈbær.ən/]
unable to grow plants
Advancedadjective
Definition
Describing land that is so poor that few or no plants can grow on it.
Example
Nothing but rocks and dust covered the barren hillside where no plants could survive.
Nothing but rocks and dust covered the barren hillside where no plants could survive.
Etymology
From Old French 'baraigne', sterile, of uncertain origin.
How & Where It’s Used
Used about land and figuratively for emptiness.