Collocations for "barren"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "barren" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
barren
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.adj
- the landscape is barren
- the [fire, lumber industry] left the landscape barren
- is barren of [trees, vegetation]
- the fields are barren (this year)
- has been barren for [years]
- is such a barren landscape
- is a barren wasteland
- [build on, exploit] barren wasteland
- barren and [desolate, rocky, empty, lifeless]
- nothing but barren rock
- a barren (fruit) tree
- dated: the woman was (left) barren [after the operation, by the cancer]
- dated: a barren [woman, couple]
- was a barren period for [art, scientific discovery]
- the [writer, player] is going through a barren spell
- was a barren [effort, journey, attempt]
- his life felt barren of meaning
- lives out in the barrens
- moved out to the barrens
- can't grow anything in the barrens
- nothing will grow in the barrens
- [walked, trekked, passed] through the barrens
- [run, race, drive, ride] across the barrens
'barren' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):