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
Someone with fecal incontinence may experience frequent accidents or unexpected stool leakage.
—Cristina Mutchler, Health, 3 Nov. 2024
Vaginal dryness also can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
Keep an eye out for excessive droop, vomit, and incontinence.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024
Symptoms Fecal incontinence is an inability to control your bowel movements.
—Cristina Mutchler, Health, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incontinence 
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.
Cristina Mutchler, Health, 3 Nov. 2024
Vaginal dryness also can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
Keep an eye out for excessive droop, vomit, and incontinence.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024
Symptoms Fecal incontinence is an inability to control your bowel movements.
—Cristina Mutchler, Health, 3 Nov. 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 1 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share