incontinence

Everyday

1. Not being able to control when you pass urine or poo; it is a medical condition. tree →
2. (formal, old) A lack of self-control. tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons and everyday life it is a medical condition that can affect babies, elderly people, or people who are ill; it is nothing to laugh at. Shops sell incontinence pads. Used kindly and privately.

Examples

• Grandad has incontinence since his operation. tree →
• Some older people need help with incontinence. tree →
• Babies wear nappies because they cannot control their bladder yet. tree →
• Incontinence pads are sold at the chemist. tree →
• The nurse helped him with his incontinence. tree →
• Some medicines can cause incontinence. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Adjective: incontinent. Be respectful: it is a health condition, not someone's fault. Do not confuse with «continent» (a large land mass) — though the words are related, the meanings are different.