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”; in- 3 ( def. ) continence
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.
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
Mesh was considered to be the gold standard treatment for incontinence and prolapse in women for years.
From BBC
It has been used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, but can cause debilitating harm to some women.
From BBC
The treatment itself can also cause incontinence and impotence, which can significantly affect quality of life.
From BBC
The treatment itself can cause incontinence and impotence, which can significantly affect quality of life.
From BBC
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.
