'barren-making' originates from the English word 'barren,' which comes from Old French 'barain,' meaning 'sterile' or 'unproductive.' The suffix '-making' is derived from the Old English 'macian,' meaning 'to make.'

'barren' changed from the Old French word 'barain' and eventually became the modern English word 'barren.' The combination with 'making' forms the compound adjective 'barren-making.'

Initially, 'barren' meant 'sterile' or 'unproductive,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.