discretionary

[ dih-skresh-uh-ner-ee ]

adjective

1. subject or left to one's own discretion.
2. for any use or purpose one chooses; not earmarked for a particular purpose:

   discretionary income; a discretionary fund.

discretionary

/ -ənrɪ; dɪˈskrɛʃənərɪ /

adjective

1. having or using the ability to decide at one's own discretion

   discretionary powers

Derived Forms

• disˈcretionarily, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·cretion·ari·ly adverb
• nondis·cretion·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discretionary¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; discretion + -ary

Example Sentences

Two-thirds of federal spending is mandatory, while the remaining discretionary spending largely goes toward defense.

From Salon

Average consumers are pulling back on discretionary spending, experts say, and may be frequenting their favorite restaurants less.

From Los Angeles Times

Altogether, discretionary spending accounted for around 25% of the total in the 2023 financial year according to the Congressional Budget Office, with more than half of that going to defence.

From BBC

While Amazon is doing away with Freevee, the model of free ad-supported streaming services remains promising as consumers look to limit discretionary spending, experts said.

From Los Angeles Times

Some could come from people previously told they had no claim for compensation because they did not have a discretionary commission arrangement.

From BBC

Related Words

• unrestricted