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noun Uncommon

miscarriage

MIHSKA-rihj

Miscarriage (noun) means the loss of a pregnancy before the baby can survive outside the womb. Example: “She was devastated after suffering a miscarriage in her first trimester.”

noun
1
The loss of a pregnancy before the baby can survive outside the womb.
"She was devastated after suffering a miscarriage in her first trimester."
2
A failure of something, especially a plan or process, to work as intended — most often used in the fixed phrase "miscarriage of justice."
"New DNA evidence proved it had been a shocking miscarriage of justice."

How to use miscarriage

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLosing a pregnancy early, or (in the fixed phrase) a legal process going badly wrong.

When to use it

Talk about pregnancy loss with sensitivity — it is a difficult personal topic for many people.

Common pairings
suffer a miscarriage miscarriage of justice risk of miscarriage

Word forms

miscarriages plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was devastated after suffering a _____ in her first trimester.

Etymology

From mis- + carriage — literally a "wrong carrying," first applied to failed plans and later specifically to lost pregnancies.

abortion stillbirth spontaneous abortion

Related words

Rhymes for miscarriage

See all rhymes for miscarriage →

Frequently asked questions

What does “miscarriage” mean?

The word “miscarriage” means the loss of a pregnancy before the baby can survive outside the womb. In plain terms, losing a pregnancy early, or (in the fixed phrase) a legal process going badly wrong.

How do you pronounce “miscarriage”?

“Miscarriage” is pronounced MIHSKA-rihj (/ˈmɪs.kæɹ.əd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “miscarriage” in a sentence?

Here is “miscarriage” used in a sentence: “She was devastated after suffering a miscarriage in her first trimester.”

What part of speech is “miscarriage”?

“Miscarriage” is a noun.

Is “miscarriage” a common word?

“Miscarriage” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “miscarriage” have?

“Miscarriage” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the loss of a pregnancy before the baby can survive outside the womb.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial