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
What’s more, studies have also found that core stability and pelvic floor muscle exercises help with urinary incontinence (leaking pee), Dr. Lubetzky says.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 4 Oct. 2024
Epileptic disorders may cause loss of consciousness or urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control), which isn’t typical with hypnic jerking.
—Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Rn, Health, 27 Sep. 2024
And about 36 percent of participants experienced what’s known as autonomic syndrome, which can impact multiple body systems and was defined by the study as urinary or fecal incontinence resulting from a loss of sphincter control.
—Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Sep. 2024
Hunter, who’s called upon to bring a dynamic physicality to Solange, perambulating with the assistance of a considerably loud walker, is agonizing and entertaining as a controlling Southern Belle whose microaggressions (and incontinence) eventually pushes her daughter-in-law to the edge.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incontinence 
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Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 4 Oct. 2024
Epileptic disorders may cause loss of consciousness or urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control), which isn’t typical with hypnic jerking.
—Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Rn, Health, 27 Sep. 2024
And about 36 percent of participants experienced what’s known as autonomic syndrome, which can impact multiple body systems and was defined by the study as urinary or fecal incontinence resulting from a loss of sphincter control.
—Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Sep. 2024
Hunter, who’s called upon to bring a dynamic physicality to Solange, perambulating with the assistance of a considerably loud walker, is agonizing and entertaining as a controlling Southern Belle whose microaggressions (and incontinence) eventually pushes her daughter-in-law to the edge.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incontinence
Dictionary Entries Near incontinence
Cite this Entry
“Incontinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incontinence. Accessed 7 Nov. 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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