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

In addition to their seven children, Anna also experienced a miscarriage in 2010. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Then came a second miscarriage, followed by the birth of a healthy girl. —Erin Edwards, ProPublica, 13 Dec. 2024

When taken orally, retinoids (like isotretinoin, aka Accutane) have been found to potentially cause birth defects or miscarriage. —Jasmine Browley, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

Public health officials have long warned against drinking raw milk due to risk of illness; past outbreaks linked to consumption or raw milk or raw milk products involved miscarriages, still births, kidney failure and deaths. —Sam Tupper, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024

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