# fertility

/fɝˈtɪɫəti/ (US) · /fɜːtˈɪlɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fertility
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. ability to have children

noun · CEFR B2

the natural ability of a person or animal to have babies.

For teachers: the physiological ability of an individual or couple to conceive and produce offspring.

- The couple visited a clinic to discuss their fertility options.
- Advances in reproductive medicine have provided new hope for individuals facing fertility challenges due to age or underlying health conditions.

### 2. soil richness

noun · CEFR B2

how good soil is for growing healthy plants and crops.

For teachers: the quality of soil that enables it to provide essential chemical elements and support abundant plant growth.

- Adding compost to the garden helps improve the fertility of the soil.
- The volcanic ash deposited over centuries has resulted in exceptional soil fertility, supporting a diverse range of agricultural activities in the valley.

### 3. birth rate statistics

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

the number of babies born in a specific group of people over a period of time.

For teachers: the ratio of live births in an area to the population of that area; often expressed as births per 1,000 people per year.

- The government is concerned about the falling fertility rate in the country.
- Demographers noted that the national fertility rate had dropped below the replacement level, prompting a debate on future economic stability.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'fertility rate' when discussing population statistics.

## Examples

- The doctor discussed several ways to improve her fertility.
- Farmers often add nutrients to the soil to maintain its fertility after a heavy harvest season.
- While modern medicine has significantly extended the window of human fertility, environmental factors and lifestyle choices continue to play a substantial role in reproductive health outcomes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.