incontinence

[in-kon-tn-uhns]

noun

1. the inability to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces.

2. Philosophy: Older Use.,  a lack of self-control, especially of sexual desire.

3. Rare.,  emotional incontinence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of incontinence¹

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”; in- ³ ( def. ) continence

Example Sentences

The coroner said Ms Weeks, who was originally from Axminster, Devon, suffered from a bladder condition which caused considerable pain and incontinence.

From BBC

His emotional incontinence was sold as evidence he’s a “fighter.”

From Salon

She added that the privacy towards incontinence was "culture and learnt behaviour" and called for health professionals to "ask patients more open questions" about the issue.

From BBC

Trump has had a bee in his incontinence diapers ever since Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” won the Oscar for best picture in 2020.

From Salon

"We know that potentially one in three women will experience some urinary incontinence and potentially one in four women will experience some level of faecal incontinence throughout their life. That's huge numbers – it's really common."

From BBC