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

Other Word Forms

• discretionarily adverb
• nondiscretionary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discretionary¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; discretion + -ary

Example Sentences

Healthcare stocks are known to hold up during times of economic turmoil, when people tend to give priority to spending on necessities over discretionary purchases.

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“Those increases in discretionary spending we saw post-Covid have been tempered, and that’s starting to show up in results and stock prices.”

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Given the steep decline in pensions, financial professionals can help consumers estimate how much income they will need in retirement to cover both essential and discretionary expenses.

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The fund’s top sectors are consumer discretionary and energy, and not popular tech.

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Morgan data shows, though growth slowed to 3% in September, led by softer discretionary spending in restaurants and lodging.

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Related Words

• unrestricted