miscarriage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "miscarriage" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical contexts to refer to the loss of a pregnancy before the fetus can live independently outside the womb. Example: "After experiencing a miscarriage, she sought support from her friends and family to help her cope with the loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Very serious allegations have been raised which throw into doubt the safety of our conviction, and there is possibly a miscarriage of justice.

The Guardian

He said he had concerns about the arrests, that they may constitute a "possible miscarriage of justice" and that they were "undoubtedly being used to undermine Sinn Fein's contribution to the peace process in Ireland".

The Guardian

(Actually I'll be ok, whatever happens, as long as that hippy fairy from the UK doesn't steal this thing. That would be a gross miscarriage of justice).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

An Oxford historian, Ruth Harris, has gained access to many thousands of unpublished letters, and letters not yet published in English, which delve further into Dreyfus and the miscarriage of justice that sparked political turmoil.

The Guardian

Lawyers for Stone, 46, issued a statement yesterday saying he was the "subject of a cruel miscarriage of justice" and that he hoped new evidence submitted to the Criminal Cases Review Commission would lead to a fresh appeal.

The Guardian

To admit a miscarriage of justice, the argument runs, has become too difficult, because it would expose the mistakes of too many people, from the primary investigators to the Rome forensic lab to the prosecutors and judges.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the similarity between the effects of medical abortions and natural miscarriage has resulted in increased hostility from hospital staff towards all women treated for such complications.

The Guardian

Women are at risk of miscarriage, their health further jeopardised from stress and lack of pre-natal care.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a town not far from South Sudan's capital city, Juba, 17-year old Jane describes her search, for contraception that her husband would not discover, after a painful miscarriage two years ago.

The Guardian

He is one of the youngest victims of a miscarriage of justice.

The Guardian

Activists have been demanding a comprehensive inquiry to establish whether key evidence gathered by undercover officers has been concealed from other trials of activists, causing other miscarriage of justices.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "miscarriage", use sensitive and respectful language. Be mindful of the emotional impact on individuals who may have experienced this loss.

Common error

Do not use euphemisms that trivialize the experience of "miscarriage". Direct and respectful language is always more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "miscarriage" is that of a noun, typically referring to the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, including medical discussions and personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "miscarriage" is a noun denoting the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and science. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, emphasizing its role in conveying factual information with a neutral tone. When using this term, sensitivity is crucial, as it often relates to personal and emotional experiences. Alternative terms include "spontaneous abortion" and "pregnancy loss". The high frequency of the term indicates its common usage in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spontaneous abortion

A medical term that is a direct synonym, often used in clinical settings.

pregnancy loss

A more general term encompassing all types of pregnancy terminations.

fetal loss

Focuses specifically on the loss of the fetus.

stillbirth

Refers to the loss of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

early pregnancy loss

Specifies that the loss occurred in the early stages of pregnancy.

pregnancy termination

A broad term that includes both induced and spontaneous abortions.

failed pregnancy

Emphasizes the unsuccessful outcome of the pregnancy.

loss of pregnancy

A simple and direct way to describe the event.

unsuccessful pregnancy

Highlights the lack of success in carrying the pregnancy to term.

pregnancy wastage

A less common and more clinical term for pregnancy loss.

FAQs

What is the definition of "miscarriage"?

A "miscarriage" is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It is also known as "spontaneous abortion" or pregnancy loss.

What are some alternative phrases for "miscarriage"?

Besides the medical term "spontaneous abortion", alternative phrases include "pregnancy loss", "fetal loss", and "early pregnancy loss", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "miscarriage" in formal writing?

Yes, "miscarriage" is a medically recognized term and is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure the tone is sensitive and respectful. In certain contexts, "spontaneous abortion" might be preferred in scientific or medical documents.

What is the difference between "miscarriage" and "stillbirth"?

"Miscarriage" refers to the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, while "stillbirth" is the loss of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The gestational age is the primary distinction.