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

Fertility challenges and miscarriage rates also rise with age. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

Toxoplasma gondii can also lurk in raw water and can cause miscarriage or birth defects if consumed during pregnancy. —Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025

They are typically performed due to a late miscarriage or dangerous medical complications. —Eden Turner, Them, 27 Jan. 2025

Each year in the United States, around 1 million pregnancies end in miscarriage, and another 20,000 babies die before they are born or shortly after, owing to birth defects. —Ericka Andersen, National Review, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing miscarriage

• miscarriage of justice

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