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 partnership, first announced last year, would have allowed Ring users to share footage with Flock-equipped agencies — a development critics said could easily be repurposed for broad surveillance rather than limited use cases.

From Salon

Acting ICE leadership has said in statements that lying under oath would be taken seriously, even as the agency defends overall enforcement efforts.

From Salon

"Right now, about 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned, and this would give men additional options and agency in their fertility," Balbach said.

From Science Daily

More than 4,000 tips flooded law enforcement agencies in the 24 hours after the images were broadcast.

From Los Angeles Times

McOsker attributes the agency’s decision to leave to the vigilance of community members and especially the Harbor Area Peace Patrols.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bureau
• company
• department
• firm
• office