The meaning of DISCRETIONARY is left to individual choice or judgment : exercised at one's own discretion. How to use discretionary in a sentence.

DISCRETIONARY definition: 1. able to be decided by a particular person or group in a particular situation, rather than being…. Learn more.

Dec 14, 2025 · discretionary (comparative more discretionary, superlative most discretionary) Available at one's discretion; able to be used as one chooses; left to or regulated by one's own discretion or …

Definition of discretionary adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Discretionary things are not fixed by rules but are decided on by people in authority, who consider each individual case. Magistrates were given wider discretionary powers. Check whether you are entitled …

There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the word discretionary, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Discretionary comes from the word discretion, which can be used to mean “the right to decide something based on one’s own judgment.” If you're given a task to complete at your discretion, you can decide …

Left to or regulated by one's own discretion or judgment. An appointee with discretionary powers.

DISCRETIONARY definition: subject or left to one's own discretion. See examples of discretionary used in a sentence.

having or using the ability to decide at one's own discretion: discretionary powers.