stillborn
Americanadjective
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dead when born.
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ineffectual from the beginning; abortive; fruitless.
a stillborn plan of escape.
adjective
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(of a fetus) dead at birth
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(of an idea, plan, etc) fruitless; abortive; unsuccessful
noun
Etymology
Origin of stillborn
Vocabulary lists containing stillborn
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To "really understand what's going on", Sands is calling for the data around neonatal and stillborn deaths to be considered alongside "patient and staff experience".
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
It was also not possible to determine if the child had been alive or was stillborn, the inquest heard.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
Jasmine Beverley, whose son's remains were discovered at the funeral parlour nearly two years after he was stillborn, said: "Reading the letter has left me feeling nothing but anger."
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
Sunny's remains were recovered from the Hessle Road premises one year and 10 months after he was stillborn on 13 May 2022, the court heard.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
She was the one who, when she saw how the midwife was about to put a blanket over my face and declare me stillborn, stepped forward and held out her hands.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
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