incontinence
Americannoun
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incontinences
plural
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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.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
See Examples For:
In the case of Mr. Druckenmiller, his views on the bond market and U.S. fiscal incontinence are worth listening to.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
It was fitted after Donna, from Swansea, developed stress urinary incontinence in her 30s, and the procedure has since been paused by the NHS.
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026
It is characterised by pain in the stomach and back, a frequent and urgent need to urinate, blood in the urine, and sometimes incontinence.
From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026
"I suffered my first episode of total bowel incontinence the very next day, but I was discharged without any follow-up or support," said Geeta, from London.
From BBC ● May 13, 2026
Long Beach Savings, wholly owned by Washington Mutual, was a prime example of financial incontinence.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
The ostensible England was making the empire sick with its incontinences, its ignorances, its ferocities, its panics, and its endless and intolerable blarings of Allied national anthems in season and out.
From Heartbreak House by Bernard Shaw
We have no excuse whatever to make for these masculine incontinences; we abhor them as disgraceful and almost bestial.
From The Color Line A Brief in Behalf of the Unborn by William Benjamin Smith
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
