miscarriage

American  

[mis-kar-ij, mis-kar-ij] / mɪsˈkær ɪdʒ, ˈmɪsˌkær ɪdʒ /

noun

1. the expulsion of a fetus before it is viable, especially between the third and seventh months of pregnancy; spontaneous abortion.

2. failure to attain the just, right, or desired result.

   a miscarriage of justice.

3. failure of something sent, as a letter, to reach its destination.

4. Chiefly British.  transportation of goods not in accordance with the contract of shipment.

---

miscarriage British  

/ mɪsˈkærɪdʒ /

noun

1. spontaneous expulsion of a fetus from the womb, esp prior to the 20th week of pregnancy

2. an act of mismanagement or failure

   a miscarriage of justice

3. the failure of freight to reach its destination

---

miscarriage Scientific  

/ mĭs′kăr′ĭj /

1. The premature, spontaneous expulsion of the products of pregnancy from the uterus, usually in the first trimester.

2. Also called spontaneous abortion

---

miscarriage Cultural  

1. A spontaneous and premature expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is capable of surviving on its own.

---

Discover More

Generally, a miscarriage is a failure to achieve a desired end, as in a miscarriage of justice.

Etymology

Origin of miscarriage

First recorded in 1605–15; mis- ¹ + carriage

Example Sentences

The scandal has been called the UK's most widespread miscarriage of justice.

From BBC

It found women frequently reported feelings of isolation and guilt following miscarriage stemming from social stigma and inadequate support.

From BBC

His future may be made easier by government compensation, paid to victims of miscarriages of justice.

From BBC

The force said while it "regretted" that a "grave miscarriage of justice" had taken place, it maintained its officers acted within the law at the time.

From BBC

But a panel of judges in Los Angeles rejected his claims and said he had not been the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

From BBC

Related Words

• abortion
• mishap