incontinence

noun

in·​con·​ti·​nence (ˌ)in-ˈkän-tə-nən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being incontinent

We may reasonably trust … that public sobriety will reassert itself over the political and intellectual incontinence that currently commands the headlines.

—Woody West

: such as

a

: inability of the body to control the evacuative functions of urination or defecation : partial or complete loss of bladder or bowel control

fecal incontinence

urinary incontinence

see also stress incontinence, urge incontinence

b

: failure to restrain sexual appetite

It is true that the religion of the missionaries has … effected some good. It has restrained the vices of theft and incontinence.

—Herman Melville

Examples of incontinence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Urinary incontinence is especially prevalent. —Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026

At Texas Diaper Bank, Bachran is seeing a supply gap in multigenerational households for the basic essentials the organization steps in to provide, which include baby diapers, wipes, incontinence supplies, and menstrual products. —Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026

Bladder Problems As many as 40% of women may experience incontinence during perimenopause. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026

Involuntary urination is a scary condition for most people, and specific medical issues, stress or aging can lead to incontinence. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing incontinence

• stress incontinence
• urge incontinence

Rhymes for incontinence

• continence

Kids Definition

incontinence

noun

in·​con·​ti·​nence (ˈ)in-ˈkänt-ᵊn-ən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being incontinent

Medical Definition

incontinence

noun

in·​con·​ti·​nence (ˈ)in-ˈkänt-ᵊn-ən(t)s 

1

: inability or failure to restrain sexual appetite

2

: inability of the body to control the evacuative functions

fecal incontinence

see stress incontinence, urge incontinence