agency

[ey-juhn-see]

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

agency

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• subagency noun
• underagency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of agency¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of agency¹

C17: from Medieval Latin agentia, from Latin agere to do

Example Sentences

In recent months, L.A.’s sanitation agency has sent teams of “ambassadors” into neighborhoods to educate residents about the need to throw food in the green bins.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Neighbouring crews had to be drafted in to provide support, as well as a host of other agencies.

Read more on BBC

Pulte has also caused friction over his handling of agency business.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A local detective told AFP news agency that the intruder was attempting to steal valuables and had been detained on charges of aggravated robbery.

Read more on BBC

The 34-year-old celebrity and her mother, who suffered serious injuries and lost consciousness, are being treated in hospital, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• bureau 
• company 
• department 
• firm 
• office