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

On Tuesday, the former Washington Commanders offensive lineman cited wife Jennifer Leno's miscarriage in his retirement announcement. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

My story is not unique, with experts saying that between 50 and 75% of pregnancies can end in miscarriage after age 40. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025

Listeria can cause stillbirths and miscarriages. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025

By then Peggy was dead, her health having declined after a string of miscarriages. —Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025

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