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

Getty Images Extreme heat and air pollution are raising the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. — Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Many women who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth also develop symptoms of depression. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Training could also lead to DNA fragmentation or damage to sperm cells, which might cause miscarriages, as well as to concerningly high levels of white blood cells in ejaculate. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

An infection can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth in pregnant women. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 17 Aug. 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