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

Incontinence is spelled with two separate parts: "in" (meaning not or unable) and "continence" (meaning the ability to hold or control). The word has nine letters total, with the stress on the third syllable: in-CON-ti-nence.

If you are reading medical documents, prescription bottles, or insurance forms, you will see this spelling consistently. It is the only correct spelling used in healthcare, and knowing how to spell it makes it easier to search for information about your condition or to discuss it with your doctor.

Key Takeaways

  • Incontinence is spelled I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E, with the stress on the third syllable.
  • The word breaks into two parts: "in" (unable) and "continence" (control), which helps you remember the spelling.
  • Related medical terms like urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence use the same root spelling.
  • Knowing the correct spelling helps you search for information and communicate clearly with healthcare providers.

Breaking down the word into parts

The prefix in- means "not" or "unable." You see it in words like "incomplete" (not complete) and "inactive" (not active). In this case, it means unable to control.

The root word continence comes from the Latin word meaning "to hold together" or "to restrain." It refers to the body's ability to control the release of urine or stool. When someone has continence, they can hold these functions. When they have incontinence, they cannot.

Putting the two parts together: in + continence = unable to control the release of urine or stool.

Common related terms and how to spell them

When you read about incontinence, you will often see it paired with other words that describe which type you have:

  • Urinary incontinence — loss of bladder control. Spelled U-R-I-N-A-R-Y I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E.
  • Fecal incontinence — loss of bowel control. Spelled F-E-C-A-L I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E.
  • Stress incontinence — leaking during physical activity or coughing. Spelled S-T-R-E-S-S I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E.
  • Urgency incontinence — sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by leaking. Spelled U-R-G-E-N-C-Y I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E.
  • Overflow incontinence — leaking when the bladder is too full. Spelled O-V-E-R-F-L-O-W I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E.

The word "incontinence" stays spelled the same way in all of these terms. Only the word before it changes.

Why spelling matters when talking to your doctor

When you write down your symptoms or search for information online, using the correct spelling helps you find accurate results. Search engines and medical websites recognize "incontinence" spelled correctly and may not return useful results if you misspell it.

If you are filling out a health form or sending an email to your doctor's office, correct spelling makes your message clearer and more professional. It also ensures that your medical record uses the standard term that all healthcare providers understand.

Common misspellings to avoid

People sometimes spell this word as "incontinance" or "incontenance," but these are not correct. The correct spelling always ends in -ence, not -ance. Another common mistake is doubling the "n" in the middle (incontinence has only one "n" after the "i"), or leaving out one of the "n"s entirely.

If you are unsure, remember the two-part structure: in + continence. The word "continence" has two "n"s (one at the end of "contin" and one at the start of "ence"), but when you put them together, they do not double — you still write it as one word with the letters in order: I-N-C-O-N-T-I-N-E-N-C-E.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it spelled incontinence or incontinance?

It is spelled incontinence, ending in -ence. The word comes from "continence," which also ends in -ence. Incontinance is not a correct spelling and will not be recognized in medical documents or search results.

How many times does the letter N appear in incontinence?

The letter N appears three times in incontinence: once at the start (iN), once in the middle (coNtinence), and once near the end (continence). A common mistake is thinking the two middle n's double into "nn," but they do not — they are straightforward part of the word's structure.

What does the word incontinence actually mean?

Incontinence means the inability to control the release of urine or stool. The prefix "in-" means unable, and "continence" means control. Together, the word describes a medical condition in which the body cannot hold these functions as it normally would.

Should I capitalize incontinence when I write it?

No. Incontinence is a common noun and should be capitalized only at the start of a sentence, just like any other word. In the middle of a sentence or in a list, write it in lowercase: "urinary incontinence" or "fecal incontinence."