What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fallow
Example
The farmer decided to leave his field fallow this year to let the soil recover. [fallow: adjective]
Example
After a busy season, I need to take a fallow period to recharge my energy. [fallow: noun]
uncultivated
Example
The uncultivated land was covered in wildflowers and tall grasses. [uncultivated: adjective]
Example
The forest was full of uncultivated berries and mushrooms. [uncultivated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncultivated is more commonly used than fallow in everyday language, as it can be used more broadly to describe any land that is not developed or improved. Fallow is a more specialized term used primarily in the context of agriculture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fallow and uncultivated?
Both fallow and uncultivated are relatively formal terms, as they are technical terms used in the context of agriculture and land management.