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

A couple whose son was stillborn have criticised health bosses for taking a year and a half to release a report about stillbirth rates in the Black Country.

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A woman whose baby daughter was stillborn after failings in her care during pregnancy has said the government's planned rapid review of maternity care in England will not deliver "justice" or "accountability".

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Two years later, a fifth pregnancy went to term, but baby Patrick was stillborn.

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The Duchess and Duke of Kent had three children, but another son was stillborn.

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She has made her own pact with the insects, asking them to restore the life of her stillborn baby, whose corpse she has held onto in the hope that the cicadas will answer her prayer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times