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

Walmart, which continues to dominate by offering deals to pinched consumers, said middle- and low-income shoppers are reining in spending and putting fewer discretionary items in their carts.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“We need sustained action that goes beyond discretionary spending.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In discretionary categories such as toys, furniture and hobby supplies, people expect to spend less.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A shutdown takes place if an agreement is not reached by the start of the fiscal year on 1 October, meaning all non-essential discretionary functions stop.

Read more on BBC

More than a decade ago - in 2013 - lawmakers were accused of pocketing billions from their discretionary budgets for ghost projects.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• unrestricted