miscarriage

noun

mis·​car·​riage ˌmis-ˈker-ij 

-ˈka-rij, 

ˈmis-ˌker-ij, 

-ˌka-rij

1

: corrupt or incompetent management

especially : a failure in the administration of justice

2

: spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus before it is viable and especially between the 12th and 28th weeks of gestation

Examples of miscarriage in a Sentence

a woman who has suffered multiple miscarriages

a high risk of miscarriage

Recent Examples on the Web

Exposure to phthalates affects sperm quality, chances of conception, ovulation function, and the risk of miscarriage. —Shanna Swan, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026

These bacteria are known to cause a host of ailments, including listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Guillain-Barré syndrome, miscarriage, brucellosis, chronic inflammatory conditions, reactive arthritis and death. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026

Hall provided photos of documents that the center gave her on the day of the ultrasound, which do include general precautions about miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. —Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026

Kelce has been openly candid about her pregnancy experiences, her relationship with her own OB (famously bringing her to the Super Bowl at 38 weeks pregnant) and her miscarriage on her podcast. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing miscarriage

• miscarriage of justice

Rhymes for miscarriage

• disparage
• remarriage
• intermarriage
• marriage

Kids Definition

miscarriage

noun

mis·​car·​riage mis-ˈkar-ij 

1

: bad management

especially : a failure in the administration of justice

2

: the accidental separation of an unborn child from the body of its mother before it is capable of living independently : loss of an unborn child through premature birth

Medical Definition

miscarriage

noun

mis·​car·​riage mis-ˈkar-ij 

: spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus before it is viable and especially between the 12th and 28th weeks of gestation compare abortion sense 1a