Aristocrat reportedly unable to produce heir? (6)

I believe the answer is:

barren

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'unable to produce heir?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'aristocrat reportedly' is the wordplay.
'aristocrat' becomes 'baron' (baron is a kind of aristocrat).
'reportedly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'baron' sounds like 'BARREN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for barren that I've seen before include "Sterile" , "Dull" , "Not producing fruit" , "Unable to reproduce, infertile" , "Infertile, unable to grow things" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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