adjective

1. that cannot produce offspring; sterile a barren woman
2. not bearing or pregnant at the regular time: said of animals or plants
3. not producing crops or fruit; having little or no vegetation barren soil
4. not bringing useful results; unproductive; unprofitable a barren plan
5. lacking appeal, interest, or meaning; dull; boring
6. empty; devoid barren of creative spirit

Etymology: ME barain < OFr baraigne, brehaigne, orig. used of land

noun

1. an area of unproductive land
2. land with poor soil and very few shrubs, trees, etc.