noun
incontinence
ihn-KON-tih-nuhns
noun
1
The inability to control the bladder or bowels.
"After the surgery, he experienced mild incontinence for a few weeks."
2
A lack of self-restraint, especially over one's desires or emotions.
"The author criticised the politician's incontinence when it came to public spending."
How to Use Incontinence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly refers to losing control of the bladder or bowels; can also mean a general lack of self-control.
Common pairings
urinary incontinence
incontinence pads
suffer from incontinence
Word Forms
incontinences plural
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After the surgery, he experienced mild _____ for a few weeks.
Etymology
From Old French incontinence, from Latin incontinentia, from in- ("not") plus continere ("to hold together, restrain").