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

Overcoming personal struggles, including bullying and depression, Pree now advocates for self-acceptance, partnering with adult diaper brands to further destigmatize incontinence. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Pelvic floor muscles support the function of your bladder, bowel and the uterus, and research shows a link between women with urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and poor posture. —Danielle Zickl, SELF, 24 Apr. 2025

By this point, the YouTuber had been dealing with incontinence regularly, which made everything even more complicated. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

April 22, and will address common issues like back and pelvic pain, diastasis recti (abdominal separation), urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 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