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Miscarriage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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miscarriage

[ˈmɪsˌkær.ɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical procedure

The spontaneous or induced expulsion of a fetus before it is able to survive independently, typically occurring before the 20th week of gestation.

Synonyms

pregnancy loss, spontaneous abortion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
miscarriage

Casual or general conversations where the loss of a pregnancy is discussed. It is commonly used and understood by most people.

  • She had a miscarriage early in her pregnancy.
  • The couple is grieving due to a recent miscarriage.
spontaneous abortion

Medical or clinical settings where precise terminology is required. It can sound very technical and may not be emotionally considerate.

  • The patient was diagnosed with a spontaneous abortion.
  • Spontaneous abortion occurs in approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies.
pregnancy loss

Sensitive or formal discussions, especially when you want to emphasize compassion and support. It is less medical in tone and more emotionally considerate.

  • The support group was formed to help women dealing with pregnancy loss.
  • Healthcare providers need to be aware of the emotional impact of pregnancy loss.

Examples of usage

  • A miscarriage can be a traumatic experience for a woman.
  • She was devastated by the news of her miscarriage.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A failure, error, or mistake, typically resulting in the loss or destruction of something valuable.

Synonyms

error, failure, mistake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
miscarriage

This word is typically used in medical contexts to describe the loss of a pregnancy.

  • She suffered a miscarriage early in her pregnancy.
  • The doctor explained the causes of a miscarriage.
failure

This word is used when something does not succeed or does not happen as intended. It can be used in a wide range of scenarios such as completing tasks, business ventures, or life goals.

  • The project ended in failure.
  • He felt like a failure after not getting the promotion.
mistake

This word is used when someone does something wrong unintentionally. It is often less formal and can be used in everyday situations.

  • Leaving the keys in the car was a big mistake.
  • I made a mistake on my math test.
error

Use this when referring to an incorrect action, decision, or calculation. It is often used in technical, academic, or professional settings.

  • There was an error in the data entry.
  • His error cost the company a lot of money.

Examples of usage

  • The team's loss was a miscarriage of justice.
  • The decision to cancel the project was seen as a miscarriage of opportunity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Information

  • This can happen in about 10-20% of known pregnancies, making it more common than many people realize.
  • Genetic issues with the baby are a leading cause, meaning sometimes the baby doesn't develop normally.
  • Hormonal imbalances in the mother may also contribute to a miscarriage.

Psychological Impact

  • Experiencing a miscarriage can lead to grief similar to that of losing a loved one, affecting emotional health.
  • Many women may feel guilt or blame themselves, even though often the cause is beyond their control.
  • Support from friends, family, or counseling can be crucial for those coping with loss.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, miscarriage is often shrouded in silence, leading to feelings of isolation for those affected.
  • Different societies have various rituals and beliefs regarding the loss of a pregnancy, often aimed at fostering healing.
  • Public discussion around miscarriage has been increasing, helping to break taboos and support those who grieve.

Historical Context

  • Historically, pregnancy loss was less understood, and many women had to navigate their grief without support or knowledge.
  • In ancient times, some cultures viewed miscarriages as a sign of displeasure from deities, influencing social practices.
  • Records show varying attitudes toward pregnancy loss throughout history, from stigmatization to compassion.

Support and Awareness

  • There are now dedicated resources and support groups aimed at helping those who have experienced a miscarriage.
  • Raising awareness through social media and community campaigns is helping to destigmatize the topic of pregnancy loss.
  • Many organizations advocate for better practices in hospitals to provide compassionate care for those experiencing loss.

Origin of 'miscarriage'

The word 'miscarriage' originated in the late Middle English period, with the prefix 'mis-' indicating bad or wrong, and 'carriage' referring to carrying or bearing. Initially used in the sense of 'bad conduct or management,' the term evolved to its current medical and general meanings over time.

See also: undercarriage.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,478, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.