agency

American  

[ey-juhn-see] / ˈeɪ dʒən si /

noun

plural

agencies

1. an organization, company, or bureau that provides a particular service.

   We are a nonprofit agency for people experiencing food insecurity.

2. a company having a franchise to represent another.

   Perhaps we should be looking for a new advertising agency.

3. a governmental bureau or administrative division, or an office that represents it.

   My internship at the FDA led to job opportunities with other federal agencies.

4. the place of business of an agent.

   If you stop by the agency tomorrow, we can go over the details of the land sale.

5. Indian agency.

6. the duty or function of an agent.

7. the relationship between a principal and an agent.

   Investment firms must incentivize proper agency so that fund managers prioritize the investor’s interests over their own.

8. the state of being in action or of exerting power; operation.

   the agency of divine Providence.

9. the capacity to act or exert power.

   We may have our free agency, but we are responsible for our choices.

10. a means of exerting power or influence; instrumentality.

    nominated by the agency of friends.

    Synonyms:

    intercession

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agency British  

/ ˈeɪdʒənsɪ /

noun

1. a business or other organization providing a specific service

   an employment agency

2. the place where an agent conducts business

3. the business, duties, or functions of an agent

4. action, power, or operation

   the agency of fate

5. intercession or mediation

6. one of the administrative organizations of a government

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Other Word Forms

• subagency noun
• underagency noun

Etymology

Origin of agency

First recorded in 1650–60; from Medieval Latin agentia “ability,” from Latin ag(ere) “to do, drive” + -entia -ency

Example Sentences

Since the ceasefire there has been a surge in aid deliveries, although the UN and aid agencies say not enough humanitarian supplies are flowing.

From BBC

"Singer/songwriter and guitarist Chris Rea passed away earlier today in hospital following a short illness," the family statement said, according to Britain's Press Association news agency.

From Barron's

Turkey's intelligence agency has conducted a major operation in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, capturing a Turkish national who held a senior role within the Islamic State group, state media reported on Monday.

From Barron's

He said it was only after "a lot of shouting and a lot of being very grumpy" that the Christmas dinner went ahead on Wednesday with additional agency staff and an external chef.

From BBC

The 2028 Games will have no permanent venue construction, but the planning agency notes that transportation infrastructure built to support the Games could benefit the region for decades in the future.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bureau
• company
• department
• firm
• office