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 somber reels that popped up in my feed, people shared their experiences with ectopic pregnancy, silent miscarriage, and stillbirths. —Lindsay Lowe, Parents, 8 Nov. 2025

The laws have put doctors under increasing strain and surveillance, complicating the standard medical treatments for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature membrane rupture, and other pregnancy problems. —Natalie Krebs, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025

In the summer between those events, Yanez experienced a miscarriage, her second in the past two seasons, the club announced on July 15. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

Newborns, adults over 65 and pregnant women are most vulnerable to the worst from listeria, which can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 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