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

He would be short, could have facial abnormalities, maybe brittle bones and there was a 50% chance that he would be stillborn.

From BBC

Maria Moynihan from County Kerry was among some of the first parents in the Republic of Ireland to use a new facility that publicly memorialises stillborn babies.

From BBC

Coroner officials did not know how the infant died but determined he was a few days old and had not been stillborn.

From Los Angeles Times

"Evidence tells us that black and Asian babies are more likely to be stillborn or die as newborns compared with white babies," said Jen Coates, a director at baby loss charity Sands.

From BBC

"Even though she was born after me, and she was a stillborn baby, we have always talked about her," said Gillian.

From BBC