What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infertility
Example
The couple sought medical help for their infertility. [infertility: noun]
Example
She was diagnosed with infertility after trying to conceive for over a year. [infertility: noun]
sterility
Example
The man's sterility prevented him from fathering a child. [sterility: noun]
Example
The woman's sterility was caused by a medical condition that affected her reproductive system. [sterility: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Infertility is a more common term than sterility in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of fertility issues. However, both terms are important in the context of reproductive health and fertility.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between infertility and sterility?
Both infertility and sterility are formal terms used in medical and clinical settings. They may be less commonly used in informal or everyday language.