incontinent

[ in-kon-tn-uh nt ]
/ ɪnˈkɒn tn ənt /

adjective

unable to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces.
unable to contain or retain (usually followed by of): incontinent of temper.
lacking in moderation or self-control, especially of sexual desire.
unceasing or unrestrained: an incontinent flow of talk.

Origin of incontinent

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin incontinent- (stem of incontinēns). See in-3, continent (adj.)

OTHER WORDS FROM incontinent

in·con·ti·nence, in·con·ti·nen·cy, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH incontinent

incontinent inconsistent (see synonym study at inconsistent)

Example sentences from the Web for incontinence

British Dictionary definitions for incontinence (1 of 2)

incontinent 1
/ (ɪnˈkɒntɪnənt) /

adjective

lacking in restraint or control, esp sexually
relating to or exhibiting involuntary urination or defecation
(foll by of) having little or no control (over)
unrestrained; uncontrolled

Derived forms of incontinent

incontinence or incontinency, noun incontinently, adverb

Word Origin for incontinent

C14: from Old French, from Latin incontinens, from in- 1 + continere to hold, restrain

British Dictionary definitions for incontinence (2 of 2)

incontinent 2

incontinently

/ (ɪnˈkɒntɪnənt) /

adverb

obsolete words for immediately

Word Origin for incontinent

C15: from Late Latin in continentī tempore, literally: in continuous time, that is, with no interval

Medical definitions for incontinence (1 of 2)

incontinence
[ ĭn-kŏntə-nəns ]

n.

The inability to control excretory functions.
Lack of restraint in sexual relations; immoderation.

Medical definitions for incontinence (2 of 2)

incontinent
[ ĭn-kŏntə-nənt ]

adj.

Lacking normal voluntary control of excretory functions.
Lacking sexual restraint; unchaste.