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

Mifepristone is commonly used for miscarriage management as well. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

There was heartache for Princess Beatrice, who split from boyfriend Dave Clark after a decade of dating, and Mike and Zara Tindall were struck by tragedy when a pregnancy ended in miscarriage. —Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 20 Jan. 2026

Fevers left untreated have been linked to developmental issues in babies, even miscarriages. —Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026

This organization will repurpose them into burial outfits or keepsakes for moms who've experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 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