incontinent — lacking self-control, especially regarding bodily functions or sexual desires
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: lacking self-control, especially regarding bodily functions or sexual desires
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈkɑːntɪnənt/
Example Sentences
- The elderly dog became incontinent and needed special care.
- My grandfather is incontinent when it comes to buying lottery tickets.
- The critic was incontinent in his harsh reviews of romantic comedies.
incontinent
ADJECTIVE[/ɪnˈkɑːntɪnənt/]
lacking self-control, especially regarding bodily functions or sexual desires

The elderly patient felt embarrassed being incontinent, but the nurse reassured him kindly.

The elderly man was incontinent and could no longer control when he needed to urinate. (Think of: IN + CONTINENT → Imagine a container that cannot contain what is inside.)

The incontinent patient felt embarrassed, while the continent patient remained calm and content.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin incontinens, meaning 'not holding together' or 'lacking restraint'. The word originally described someone unable to control their impulses or desires, later narrowing to medical contexts.
Breakdown
in- (not) + continent (from Latin continere: to hold together, restrain) + -ent (adjective suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The elderly dog became incontinent and needed special care.”
“My grandfather is incontinent when it comes to buying lottery tickets.”
“The critic was incontinent in his harsh reviews of romantic comedies.”
“She became completely incontinent of laughter watching the comedy show.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.