discretionary

adjective

dis·​cre·​tion·​ary di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē 

1

: left to individual choice or judgment : exercised at one's own discretion

discretionary powers

2

: available for discretionary use

discretionary income

Synonyms

• elective
• optional
• voluntary

Examples of discretionary in a Sentence

discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year

Recent Examples on the Web

Restaurant sales were up 0.3%, a sign that Americans are still willing to spend on discretionary items, such as eating out. —Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024

What’s more, the essentials consumers have to buy regularly, such as gas and groceries, have jumped more than discretionary goods such as clothing and furniture, Hoyt’s analysis shows. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2024

Other Morgan Stanley defensive and quality favorites include consumer discretionary names Walmart and Lowe’s . —Pia Singh, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2024

Equities in the tech, materials, and consumer discretionary sectors tended to rally the most in this 12-month period. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

discretion + -ary entry 2

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing discretionary

• discretionary account
• discretionary income

Legal Definition

discretionary

adjective

dis·​cre·​tion·​ary dis-ˈkre-shə-ˌner-ē 

: left to discretion : exercised at one's own discretion

specifically : relating to the policy-making function of a public official see also Federal Tort Claims Act compare ministerial

Note: A public official generally has qualified immunity from lawsuits that arise from his or her discretionary acts.