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

Though housing and transportation account for half of U.S. households’ spending, according to Labor Department data, discretionary items add up.

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The FCA banned discretionary commissions on car financing in 2021 and has been investigating historical agreements dating back almost two decades since early last year.

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Creating a detailed budget to understand your cash flow, separating fixed and variable expenses, can help you consciously decide how much you can afford in the way of discretionary spending, Shafransky said.

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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.

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

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Related Words

• unrestricted