discretionary

American  

[dih-skresh-uh-ner-ee] / dɪˈskrɛʃ əˌnɛr i /

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.

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discretionary British  

/ -ənrɪ, dɪˈskrɛʃənərɪ /

adjective

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

   discretionary powers

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Other Word Forms

• discretionarily adverb
• nondiscretionary adjective

Etymology

Origin of discretionary

First recorded in 1690–1700; discretion + -ary

Example Sentences

"There's some evidence that other authorities have been unwilling to enforce higher discretionary standards because they fear that drivers in future will simply go to Wolverhampton or to other licensing authorities instead."

From BBC

Still, consumer discretionary stocks fell, with the group losing 1.8% to lead declines in the S&P 500.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rising dining-out dollars are typically a positive sign that discretionary spending is holding up.

From Barron's

It’s good that this is an option for discretionary income, rather than a necessity.

From MarketWatch

Unlike some monthly costs like discretionary spending or travel, which aren’t needed for day-to-day survival, a family’s food budget is not as easily trimmed.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• unrestricted