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

Two implantations were unsuccessful; the third resulted in a miscarriage. —Brande Victorian, Essence, 12 Dec. 2025

Two months later, Miles suffered a miscarriage. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, which recommends using acetaminophen to treat fever and pain in pregnant women, says that untreated fever can cause grave harms such as miscarriage, birth defects or premature birth, especially early in a pregnancy, reports NPR. —Malaka Gharib, NPR, 10 Dec. 2025

It is known to start menstrual flow and could lead to miscarriage. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Dec. 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