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

Health systems and clinicians can and should provide clear, accessible information about miscarriage and its management, long before a crisis, and not just in the moment of loss. —Dara Kass, Time, 9 June 2026

Even at peak fertility, in women's 20s, some 25% of eggs, when combined with sperm, will create embryos that are chromosomally abnormal and will likely lead to miscarriages, and the percentages rise from there. —Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 31 May 2026

Only the most callous of viewers would fail to sympathize with goalkeeper Matt Turner after seeing an injury compounding the personal tragedy of his partner’s miscarriage. —Beau Dure, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

According to biographer Steven Levingston, Jackie Kennedy had a miscarriage three months after getting pregnant in 1955. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 May 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