What does "incontinent" mean?
One who is unchaste.
Incontinent
/ɪŋˈkɒntɪnənt/ adj, adv, noun, slang
adj, adv, noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who is unchaste.
- Grammar: incontinent is listed as adj, adv, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: a bit much, abandoned, bibulous, boundless.
- Useful contrasts: continent, prudent, restrained.
- Usage evidence: Obstetric fistula is a hole between the vagina and rectum or bladder that is caused by prolonged obstructed labor, leaving a woman incontinent; unable to control the flow of her urine or her feces.
How to use "incontinent"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "incontinent" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "incontinent" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "incontinent" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "incontinent" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "incontinent" is acting as adj, adv, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "a bit much" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "incontinent", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who is unchaste. obsolete
"O, old Incontinent, dost not thou shame"
Adjective
- 1 Unable to contain or retain. often
- 2 Plagued by incontinence; unable to retain natural discharges or evacuations, most commonly of urine or feces.
"About 90% of all koalas have chlamydia... which makes them incontinent, so they spend all day pissing themselves."
- 3 Lacking moral or sexual restraint, moderation or self-control, especially of sexual desire.
- 4 Unrestrained or unceasing.
"an incontinent river of pure water"
- 5 Immediate; without delay. colloquial
Adjective
- 1 not having control over urination and defecation wordnet
Adverb
- 1 Immediately, forthwith. not-comparable, obsolete
""As how, my lambkin," blushing, she replide, / "Because I in this dancing schoole abide? / If that it be, that breede's this discontent, / We will remoue the camp incontinent: / For shelter onelie, sweete heart, came I hither, / And to auoide the troblous stormie weather; / But now the coaste is cleare, we will be gonne, / Since, but thy self, true louer I haue none.""
Antonyms
Example
"Obstetric fistula is a hole between the vagina and rectum or bladder that is caused by prolonged obstructed labor, leaving a woman incontinent; unable to control the flow of her urine or her feces."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "incontinent"?
Common synonyms include: a bit much, abandoned, bibulous, boundless, crapulent, crapulous.
How do you use "incontinent" in a sentence?
Obstetric fistula is a hole between the vagina and rectum or bladder that is caused by prolonged obstructed labor, leaving a woman incontinent; unable to control the flow of her urine or her feces.
How do you pronounce "incontinent"?
Pronounced /ɪŋˈkɒntɪnənt/.
Etymology
From Middle English incontinent, from Old French incontinent, from Latin incontinens, from in + continens.