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
Woody West
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
Herman MelvilleExamples of incontinence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Urinary incontinence is a sign that your pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and urethra, need some medical attention.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 7 Aug. 2024
In addition to offering preventive screenings like STI testing, pap smears, and breast exams, gynecologists provide care for a wide range of conditions such as endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and urinary incontinence.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 July 2024
Overflow incontinence often requires surgery, like a prostate reduction.
—Jamin Brahmbhatt, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2024
This can lead to a host of issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and pain during intercourse.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incontinence 
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 7 Aug. 2024
In addition to offering preventive screenings like STI testing, pap smears, and breast exams, gynecologists provide care for a wide range of conditions such as endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and urinary incontinence.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 July 2024
Overflow incontinence often requires surgery, like a prostate reduction.
—Jamin Brahmbhatt, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2024
This can lead to a host of issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and pain during intercourse.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incontinence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incontinence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near incontinence
Cite this Entry
“Incontinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incontinence. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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