absolute discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

'absolute discretion' is an appropriate expression to use in written English.
In general, it is used to indicate that one is making a decision without any constraints or interference from others. For example, "The company's Board of Directors has been granted absolute discretion to make decisions about how to manage the business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The maxim that "Absolute power corrupts absolutely" has found a new expression in the nearly absolute discretion that U.S. Supreme Court has in deciding which cases it will hear and it's time for Congress to intervene and uphold the integrity of federal law.

HuffPost

The British donors rely on Irving's absolute discretion.

The Guardian

In the United States a prosecuting attorney has absolute discretion to prosecute or not to prosecute.

The New York Times

It features a bright blue zip tape, sewn into the seam for absolute discretion.

The New York Times

By § 22 of the charter the railroad is given absolute discretion in the fixing of charges.

Cornell University

"I had absolute discretion under the trust Margaret created and could do anything I wanted," he said.

The New York Times

GNM shall have the right, in its absolute discretion, to approve or reject the final version of the Mock-up.

The Guardian

This was to be an aesthetic and scholarly elite with virtually absolute discretion in deciding what buildings and historic districts should be preserved forever through landmark designation.

The New York Times

There are lots of people who do not go along with the investment counselors in Wall Street who want absolute discretion in handling their customers' money.

The New York Times

We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to extend the closing date where the entries received are of insufficient quality.

The Guardian

In a memo from March 2004, several senior S.E.C. staff members reported that "it seems clear" that Mr. Madoff had "absolute discretion" over the accounts of his clients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absolute discretion", ensure it's clear who holds this discretion and in what specific context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assigning "absolute discretion" without clearly defined boundaries, as it can lead to misuse or legal challenges. Specify the scope and limitations of this discretion to maintain accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolute discretion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates it is used to denote unrestricted authority or freedom in decision-making.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolute discretion" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes unrestricted authority in decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. The phrase conveys the purpose of conferring or acknowledging the final say without external constraints. When using "absolute discretion", it's important to clearly define the scope of that discretion to prevent ambiguity and potential legal challenges. Alternatives include "unfettered authority" and "complete autonomy", among others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfettered authority

Emphasizes the lack of limitations or restrictions on the authority.

complete autonomy

Highlights the self-governing nature and independence in decision-making.

full prerogative

Focuses on the exclusive right or privilege to make decisions.

unrestricted power

Stresses the absence of constraints on the power to decide.

sole jurisdiction

Indicates exclusive control and authority within a specific domain.

carte blanche

Suggests unlimited authority or freedom to act at one's own discretion.

free rein

Implies the freedom to act or operate without control or guidance.

ultimate say

Highlights the final and decisive authority in decision-making.

final say

Similar to 'ultimate say', indicating the concluding authority in a decision process.

unconditional authority

Emphasizes the lack of conditions or limitations attached to the authority.

FAQs

How can I use "absolute discretion" in a sentence?

You can use "absolute discretion" to indicate someone's unrestricted power to make decisions, as in "The manager has "absolute discretion" over budget allocations".

What are some alternatives to "absolute discretion"?

Alternatives include "unfettered authority", "complete autonomy", or "full prerogative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "absolute discretion" or "sole discretion"?

"Absolute discretion" emphasizes a lack of constraints, while "sole discretion" highlights that the decision-making power rests with one entity. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize freedom from limitations or exclusivity of authority.

What are the legal implications of granting "absolute discretion"?

Granting "absolute discretion" can create legal risks if not carefully defined, potentially leading to challenges based on abuse of power or lack of accountability. It's crucial to define the scope and limitations to ensure responsible use.