discretionary expense

discretionary expense definition - business

discretionary expense

A nonessential expenditure that is subject to management or individual control. Advertising is an example of an expense that can be increased or decreased at the discretion of management. Governmental discretionary expenses include expenditures on highways and defense.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Business Terms Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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