disposable income
noun
: income that is left after paying taxes and for things that are essential, such as food and housing
I don't have enough disposable income to buy such luxuries.
Examples of disposable income in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Higher prices disproportionately affect those with less disposable income to absorb price hikes.
—
Shannon Pettypiece, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026
In modern-day Japan, the people who have the time and disposable income to pick up a book as thick as Sisters in Yellow are always going to be observers.
—Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
For example, child support garnishment can reach 50% to 60% of disposable income, which is significantly higher than standard consumer debt caps.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Seattle stood out globally for its high disposable income and quality of life.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disposable income
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Shannon Pettypiece, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026
In modern-day Japan, the people who have the time and disposable income to pick up a book as thick as Sisters in Yellow are always going to be observers.
—Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
For example, child support garnishment can reach 50% to 60% of disposable income, which is significantly higher than standard consumer debt caps.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Seattle stood out globally for its high disposable income and quality of life.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disposable income
Cite this Entry
“Disposable income.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disposable%20income. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
