English Reference
Adjective

budgetary

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈbədʒɪˌtɛɹi/ UK /bˈʌdʒɪtəɹi/ bud·getary

adj.relating to a budget, which is the plan for how much money you have and how you will spend it.

adj.relating to a financial plan or the allocation of funds within an organization or household. Typically used attributively before a noun.


SIMPLE

The school had to make some budgetary cuts this year.

CONTEXTUAL

Due to unexpected budgetary constraints, the marketing team postponed the launch of the new product until next quarter.

COMPLEX

The committee is currently reviewing the budgetary implications of the proposed infrastructure project to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability for the municipality.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

We made 1974, 1980 and 1983 but, for budgetary reasons, not 1977, which broke my heart.

The Guardian· 24 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated