discretionary (C1)

adjective

Pronunciation: /dɪˈskreʃəneri/

Definition

Available to be used according to one's own judgment or choice, rather than being fixed or required.

Examples

• Employees have a discretionary fund for professional development.

• The committee has discretionary power to award grants.

• Spending on luxury items is often discretionary.

How to Use discretionary

discretionary spending (collocation)

Spending on non-essential goods and services. — "During tough economic times, discretionary spending is the first to be cut."

discretionary income (collocation)

Income left over after taxes and essential expenses have been paid. — "She saved a portion of her discretionary income each month."

discretionary powers (collocation)

The authority to make decisions based on one's own judgment. — "The manager has discretionary powers to approve overtime."

Synonyms of discretionary

Words with a similar meaning to discretionary:

• optional
• elective
• voluntary
• permissive

Antonyms of discretionary

Words with the opposite meaning to discretionary:

• mandatory
• compulsory
• required

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