# discretionary

/dɪsˈkɹɛʃəˌnɛɹi/ (US) · /dɪskɹˈɛʃənəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/discretionary
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

available to be used or decided by someone based on what they think is best, rather than being fixed by a rule.

For teachers: left to individual judgement or choice rather than being dictated by fixed rules or requirements.

## Examples

- The manager has a discretionary fund for small office repairs.
- After paying for rent and groceries, she had very little discretionary income left for hobbies or travel.
- The judge exercised his discretionary powers to reduce the sentence, citing the defendant's lack of prior convictions and genuine remorse during the trial.

## Usage notes

- Often used to modify nouns related to finance or authority, such as 'income', 'spending', or 'power'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.