Sterility is the quality or state of being unable to reproduce. The term may be used of plants or animals.

• Sterility in animals may be specific to individuals, or may be a defect in an entire species, for example, the male mule, a hybrid of a female horse and a male donkey, is always incapable of reproduction.

• Sterility in humans: See infertility

• Sterility in medical terms indicates an environment free from microorganisms.

• Sterility in literature and art suggests work that does not arouse the intellect or the emotions.