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

Symptoms Fecal incontinence is an inability to control your bowel movements. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 3 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing incontinence

• stress incontinence
• urge incontinence

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