incontinence
Americannoun
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the inability to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces.
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Philosophy: Older Use. a lack of self-control, especially of sexual desire.
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Rare. emotional incontinence.
Etymology
Origin of incontinence
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Old French or Latin incontentia “incontinence (of urine); lack of self-control,” equivalent to in- negative prefix + continentia “a holding back, retention”; see origin at in- 3 ( def. ) continence
Explanation
Incontinence is a lack of control. Sometimes that means you can't help but pee your pants. Another, more pleasant type of incontinence has to do with being undisciplined and addicted to life's pleasures. You probably don't want anything to do with incontinence. It could mean you're wetting the bed. It could also mean you're pooping your pants. Incontinence is something we expect of babies, but it can also happen to very sick or old people. Another kind of incontinence has to do with not being in control of your life. If you can't stop spending money, drinking, and staying out late, that's a type of incontinence, too.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bowel or anal incontinence - when you cannot control when you poo - affects 20% of women and is most commonly caused by a birth injury, according to the British Journal of General Practice.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
Many retirees pay out of pocket for health-related supplies that aren’t fully covered by insurance, some of which include incontinence products, wound-care materials and wearable monitoring devices.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
Unlike adult incontinence products, baby diapers are not regulated as medical devices under the Federal Drug Administration.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
In 2024, Japan produced 9.6 billion adult diapers and incontinence pads, compared to eight billion for babies, according to the Japan Hygiene Products Industry Association.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
Long Beach Savings, wholly owned by Washington Mutual, was a prime example of financial incontinence.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
