What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Incontinence vs Incompetence - What's the difference?

incontinence | incompetence |

As nouns the difference between incontinence and incompetence

is that incontinence is (dated) lack of self-restraint, an inability to control oneself; unchastity while incompetence is incompetence.

incontinence

English

Noun

  • (dated) Lack of self-restraint, an inability to control oneself; unchastity.
  • * 1749 , Henry Fielding, Tom Jones , Folio Society 1973, p. 119:
    • Allworthy was sufficiently offended by this transgression of Jones; for notwithstanding the assertions of Mr Western, it is certain this worthy man had never indulged himself in any loose pleasures with women, and greatly condemned the vice of incontinence in others.
  • (medicine) The inability of any of the physical organs to restrain discharges of their contents; involuntary discharge or evacuation (of urine or feces).

    • Derived terms

    * incontinence diaper * incontinence pad

    Synonyms

    * akrasia

    References

    *

    incompetence

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • Inability to perform; lack of competence; ineptitude.
  • * 1851:
    • ... at the head of a crew, too, chiefly made up of mongrel renegades, and castaways, and cannibals--morally enfeebled also, by the incompetence of mere unaided virtue or right-mindedness in Starbuck
  • * 1949:
    • Winston did not know why Withers had been disgraced. Perhaps it was for corruption or incompetence . Perhaps Big Brother was merely getting rid of a too-popular subordinate.
  • * 1974:
    • The factory where she worked was a poisonous mass of incompetence , favoritism, and sabotage.

    Related terms

    * competency * incompetency