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

Pelvic floor and core-strengthening exercises can significantly reduce the risk of wide-ranging complications, including urinary incontinence, severe perineal tears, diastasis recti, and low back pain. —Ashley Austin, Time, 20 July 2025

If your cat suffers from incontinence, the best course of action is taking them to your veterinarian, who will assess the cause, and then give the kitty the right treatment option. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025

Symptoms are easy to miss The telltale signs of normal pressure hydrocephalus are problems with walking, cognitive symptoms and urinary incontinence. —Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 24 May 2025

The surgery to remove the prostate is often done outpatient, and has low risk for incontinence and impotence, but can cause erectile dysfunction, which can be treated by medication. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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