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

The Cleveland Clinic describes them as tightening and releasing those muscles to build strength, and says the payoff can include help with urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

Leaking Pee Urinary incontinence is common in the postpartum period, with nearly a third of women experiencing it. — Parents, 25 Aug. 2026

Surgery, called a prostatectomy, has a longer recovery time, and causes initial incontinence in nearly all patients; though most regain bladder control within a year, 5% to 10% can experience permanent incontinence. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026

In years past, says Suk, ads for the incontinence product would have shown up largely in traditional news and cable programming, and some will continue to do so. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Aug. 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