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

The agency gives the sector a “deteriorating” outlook for 2026, adding it “expects medical cost trends to drive the sector’s weaker operating performance, as utilization has risen due to more costly and frequent provider visits.”

From The Wall Street Journal

At the same time, we emailed top administration officials who were making crucial decisions within the agency, including Lindsey Burke, deputy chief of staff for policy and programs, and Meg Kilgannon, director of strategic partnerships.

From Salon

Niger has not officially announced any counter-measures to the US travel ban, but the country's news agency, citing a diplomatic source, said last week that such measures had been decided.

From Barron's

Humanitarian agencies have warned that shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies persist, while winter conditions are worsening life in overcrowded displacement camps.

From Barron's

His comments came days after the Mossad intelligence agency of Iran's arch-foe Israel posted on social media that it was "with you on the ground" in a message to Iranian protesters.

From Barron's

Related Words

• bureau
• company
• department
• firm
• office