incontinence

[ in-kon-tn-uhns ]

/ ɪnˈkɒn tn əns /

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noun

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

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

Rare. emotional incontinence.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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 continence

Words nearby incontinence

inconspicuous, inconstant, inconsumable, incontestability clause, incontestable, incontinence, incontinent, incontinently, incontrollable, incontrovertible, inconvenience

How to use incontinence in a sentence

Then, he confessed he feared his incontinence, caused by an untreated pinched nerve in his back, would keep him from finding love.
The Party Monster Lives For the Applause: Michael Alig’s Second Act|Caitlin Dickson|February 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sitting at my computer desk I suddenly thought I understood what incontinence felt like.
No Sex For Six Weeks After Giving Birth? It’s Too Long!|Aurora Snow|December 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Incontinence, impotence, insomnia, and depression are terrible whether or not they're medicalized.
The Seen and the Unseen|Megan McArdle|October 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Incontinence means transgressing the ordinary standards in respect of pleasure and pain.
The Worlds Greatest Books, Volume XIII.|Various

But Guy's great fault, in this prudent world, was his absolute incontinence of money.
The Caxtons, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Where once gentility abode was now but a rancid and rude incontinence.
Roads of Destiny|O. Henry
Incontinence is general, and the number of illegitimate children greater than those born in wedlock.
Peru in the Guano Age|Alexander James Duffield
These three beasts typify the division of sins into those of incontinence, of violence, and of fraud.
Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern Volume 11|Various

incontinence

Origin of incontinence

Words nearby incontinence

Words related to incontinence

How to use incontinence in a sentence