incontinence

noun

in·​con·​ti·​nence (ˌ)in-ˈkän-tə-nən(t)s How to pronounce incontinence (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The three main symptoms are gait issues, urinary incontinence and cognitive difficulties. Anna Kaplan, NBC news, 22 July 2025 Overactive bladder can also happen alongside incontinence, which is a loss of bladder control, but the two conditions aren’t the same, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Korin Miller, Flow Space, 30 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for incontinence

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incontinence was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Incontinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incontinence. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

incontinence

noun
in·​con·​ti·​nence (ˈ)in-ˈkänt-ᵊn-ən(t)s How to pronounce incontinence (audio)
: the quality or state of being incontinent

Medical Definition

incontinence

noun
in·​con·​ti·​nence (ˈ)in-ˈkänt-ᵊn-ən(t)s How to pronounce incontinence (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on incontinence

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