fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈti-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being fertile

2

: the birth rate of a population

Examples of fertility in a Sentence

She studied the effects of pollution on the fertility of the local fish population.

The doctor ordered a test of his fertility.

The area is known for its soil fertility.

the fertility of his imagination

Recent Examples on the Web

The data are stark: in 2024, China’s total fertility rate stood at approximately 1.1, roughly half the 2.1 replacement level required for population stability. —Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

The global fertility rate in 2024 was 2.2 births per woman on average, marking a record low, according to new research from the United Nations. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025

And yet, Norway's fertility rate has dropped dramatically from 1.98 children per woman in 2009 to 1.44 children per woman in 2024, according to official figures. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

There appear to be other upsides to declining fertility. —Sarah McCammon, NPR, 7 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fertility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fragility
• futility
• gentility
• hostility
• humility

Medical Definition

fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē 

plural fertilities

1

: the quality or state of being fertile

2

: the birth rate of a population