stillborn

[stil-bawrn]

adjective

1. dead when born. bear. born.

2. ineffectual from the beginning; abortive; fruitless.

   a stillborn plan of escape.

stillborn

/ ˈstɪlˌbɔːn /

adjective

1. (of a fetus) dead at birth

2. (of an idea, plan, etc) fruitless; abortive; unsuccessful

noun

1. a stillborn fetus or baby

Word History and Origins

Origin of stillborn¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; still ¹ + born

Example Sentences

Their daughter was stillborn in January, with the pair appointing Ms Upton to oversee her funeral.

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Our first child was stillborn 10 days before her due date in March 2024.

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The 39-year-old had been told she would have to give birth to her stillborn daughter, who was called Olivia, and was given medication to bring on the labour.

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Sunny was the only stillborn baby found at the premises.

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"There was no way forward," she says, and Hudson was stillborn in March at 22 weeks.

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