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

Having apparently suffered numerous prior miscarriages, she’s now turned to surrogacy, planning to adopt the baby about to be born to an Italian local, Anita (Uliana Kuzmina). — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 30 July 2026

Compared to younger women, older moms are at higher risk of complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placental abnormalities, miscarriage chromosomal conditions and cesarean delivery. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 29 July 2026

In January, Ashleigh suffered a miscarriage, an experience that is raw and emotional to acknowledge, but remains a part of their story. — Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

It’s associated with higher risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and STIs. — Sarah Digregorio, Vanity Fair, 27 July 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