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

But the sudden tariff expense has forced the firm to cut investments on things such as new equipment and spending on discretionary items like marketing.

From BBC

The leadership change comes as rising prices and uncertainty over the knock-on effects of US tariffs have raised concerns over the impact on consumer spending, particularly for Target's discretionary products such as apparel and electronics.

From BBC

"We see the US consumer behaving cautiously around discretionary spending," said the firm's chief executive Andrew Rees.

From BBC

"We believe there is still a potential for redress, for example, if discretionary commission arrangements are deemed to be an unfair relationship, redress could still be from to £5bn to £13bn or more," he said.

From BBC

"If discretionary commission arrangements are deemed to be an unfair relationship, redress could still be from to £5 – £13 billion or more," Mr Branwell said.

From BBC

Related Words

• unrestricted