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

Amid the surprises, the families also celebrated the joy of welcoming their babies, especially for Brady, who said the pregnancy came after two miscarriages. — Marlee Ginter, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

The high fevers brought on by listeria can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women who are infected. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

Their second meeting takes a harrowing turn when Audrey suffers a miscarriage on Eli’s doorstep. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Consider the tragic story of thalidomide, a morning sickness drug that caused thousands of birth defects and miscarriages. — Sajish Mathew, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 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