English pronunciation · Words Starting with I

Incontinence Pronunciation

Incontinence is pronounced in-KAHN-tuh-nuhns, IPA /ˌɪnˈkɑntənəns/.

in-KAHN-tuh-nuhns

US /ˌɪnˈkɑntənəns/  ·  UK /ɪnˈkɒntɪnəns/

Syllables: in · KAHN · tuh · nuhns (4 syllables, stress on syllable 2)

noun: Loss of voluntary control over urinating or emptying the bowels.

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Incontinence in a Sentence

  • Incontinence is common after childbirth and usually improves with exercise.
  • The clinic runs a nurse-led service for incontinence.
  • He was too embarrassed to mention the incontinence to his doctor.

Common Mispronunciations of Incontinence

Not in-kuhn-TI-nuhns

Moving the beat to the third part turns it into something closer to continence with a prefix. The loud syllable is KAHN, right after in.

Not in-KAHN-tee-nents

Both of the last two vowels are reduced to uh. Giving them full tee and nent sounds spells the word out rather than saying it.

Tip: Say the adjective continent first, then hang in on the front: in-KAHN-tuh-nuhns.

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