discretionary income
noun
: income that is left after paying for things that are essential, such as food and housing
She has enough discretionary income to pay for a nice vacation each year.
Examples of discretionary income in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For someone to single out sports betting as uniquely damaging is disingenuous and ignores the broader context of how Americans allocate discretionary income.
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Additional hotel room supply in the Greater Nashville area and consumers who are increasingly cautious with discretionary income in the present economy have impacted the lodging business overall, said Kris Patel, owner of three hotels in Lebanon.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 28 June 2024
Monthly payments are capped at 20% of a borrower’s discretionary income on ICR or 10% on PAYE.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025
Consumers with discretionary income are investing more money into creature comforts for the home in general.
—Whizy Kim, Vox, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discretionary income 
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Additional hotel room supply in the Greater Nashville area and consumers who are increasingly cautious with discretionary income in the present economy have impacted the lodging business overall, said Kris Patel, owner of three hotels in Lebanon.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 28 June 2024
Monthly payments are capped at 20% of a borrower’s discretionary income on ICR or 10% on PAYE.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025
Consumers with discretionary income are investing more money into creature comforts for the home in general.
—Whizy Kim, Vox, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discretionary income
Dictionary Entries Near discretionary income
discretionary income
Cite this Entry
“Discretionary income.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discretionary%20income. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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