The correct spelling is I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E

Incontinence is spelled with ten letters: I, N, C, O, N, T, I, N, E, N, C, E. The word comes from Latin and means a loss of control — in medical use, it refers to the involuntary loss of urine or stool. If you are reading medical documents, insurance forms, or talking to a doctor, this is the spelling you will see.

The word breaks into parts that help with spelling: in- (meaning not or without) plus continence (meaning the ability to hold or control). So incontinence literally means without control. That structure is useful if you are trying to remember it or explain it to someone else.

Common misspellings include "incontinance" (with an A instead of the second E) and "incontenance" (adding extra letters). These are wrong. Stick with the ten-letter version above.

Key Takeaways

  • Incontinence is spelled I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E, with ten letters and two N's in the middle.
  • The word breaks into "in-" (without) and "continence" (control), which helps you remember the spelling.
  • Common wrong spellings are "incontinance" and "incontenance" — avoid these on medical forms and documents.
  • Related medical terms like "urinary incontinence" and "fecal incontinence" use the same base spelling.

Related medical terms and how to spell them

When you read about incontinence in medical contexts, you will often see it paired with other words. Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) and fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control) are the two main types. Both use the same spelling of incontinence.

You may also see stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence. These describe different causes or patterns, but the base word — incontinence — is always spelled the same way.

The opposite word is continence (C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E), which means the ability to control bladder or bowel. A person with continence can hold urine or stool until they choose to release it. You will see this word less often in everyday conversation, but it appears in medical literature and on some product labels.

Why the spelling matters on forms and documents

If you are filling out a medical form, insurance paperwork, or a doctor's intake questionnaire, spelling incontinence correctly helps the office process your information faster. Medical records are often searched by keyword, and a misspelling can cause your document to be filed incorrectly or missed during a search.

Insurance companies and healthcare providers use standardized spelling in their systems. If you are describing your condition in writing — in an email to a doctor, on an online portal, or in a form — using the correct spelling ensures your message is understood and recorded accurately.

When in doubt, copy the spelling from official documents you have already received. Your insurance card, a hospital discharge summary, or a letter from your doctor will show you the exact spelling the organization uses.

How to remember the spelling

Break the word into syllables: in-CON-ti-nence. The stress falls on the second syllable, which can help you hear where the letters go. Say it aloud a few times, and the pattern becomes easier to recall.

Another memory trick: think of the word continent (a large landmass), which is spelled C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-T. Incontinence adds "in-" at the start and changes the final T to C-E. If you know how to spell continent, you can build incontinence from there.

Write the word down a few times if you are preparing for a doctor's visit or filling out forms. Handwriting it reinforces the spelling better than reading it alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it "incontinance" or "incontinence"?

It is incontinence, with an E at the end, not an A. The word ends in -ence, not -ance. This is a common misspelling, but the correct medical spelling is always incontinence.

How do you spell the types of incontinence?

The base word incontinence is always spelled the same way. Urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, stress incontinence, and urge incontinence all use I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E. Only the word before it changes.

What is the difference between continence and incontinence?

Continence means you have control over your bladder or bowel. Incontinence means you do not have that control. Continence is spelled C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E. Incontinence adds "in-" at the start to mean the opposite.

Do I need to spell it correctly on a doctor's form?

Yes. Using the correct spelling helps your medical record stay organized and searchable. If you are unsure, look at how it is spelled on any official documents you have received from the doctor or hospital, and copy that spelling.

What if I misspelled it on a form I already submitted?

Contact the office and let them know. A straightforward phone call or email pointing out the misspelling is usually enough. Medical offices correct these kinds of errors regularly and will update your record.