Sterile (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Deficient in originality or creativity; lacking powers of invention; "a sterile ideology lacking in originality"; "unimaginative development of a musical theme"; "uninspired writing".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The artist's latest paintings were criticized for their sterile color palette and lack of emotional depth.
• The company's marketing team was accused of producing sterile advertisements that failed to resonate with their target audience.
• The novel's plot was so predictable and formulaic that it was considered a sterile rehashing of the same old cliches.
• The new policy was deemed sterile and unengaging, failing to address the underlying issues that needed to be tackled.
• The music festival's lineup was criticized for featuring the same sterile, overplayed acts that had been touring for years.

Synonyms

• Uninspired
• Uninventive
• Unimaginative

Meaning ²

Incapable of reproducing; "an infertile couple".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The doctor explained to the couple that they were sterile due to a medical condition that made it impossible for them to conceive.
• After years of trying, the couple realized that they were sterile and decided to explore adoption options.
• The woman's sterile condition was caused by a genetic disorder that affected her reproductive system.
• The sterile desert landscape stretched out before them, devoid of any signs of life.
• The couple's dreams of having children were shattered when they discovered that the husband was sterile.

Synonyms

• Unfertile
• Infertile

Antonyms

• Fertile

Related Words

• Sterility (noun)

Meaning ³

Free of or using methods to keep free of pathological microorganisms; "a sterile operating area"; "aseptic surgical instruments"; "aseptic surgical techniques".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The doctor scrubbed in and entered the sterile operating area, ready to begin the procedure.
• The nurse carefully prepared the aseptic instruments on a tray, ensuring they were ready for use.
• To minimize the risk of infection, the medical team employed sterile surgical techniques throughout the procedure.
• The hospital's sterilization department was responsible for providing sterile equipment and supplies to all departments.
• The operating theater was a sterile environment, where even the air was filtered to prevent the introduction of microorganisms.

Synonyms

• Aseptic

Related Words

• Sterility (noun)
• Sterileness (noun)