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

A far-right political activist released hidden camera footage this week of a Justice Department official claiming the agency would redact the names of Republicans, but not Democrats, identified in the files.

From Los Angeles Times

The Commission on Judicial Performance, the state agency responsible for probing complaints of judicial misconduct and incapacity as well as disciplining judges, issued its findings in August.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency said the project will ultimately restore 92 miles of lanes and will require up to 25 weekend closures.

From Los Angeles Times

Though the ban led to the cancellation of a planned shelter in Norwalk, city leaders contended that the policy largely was a negotiating tactic to ensure that the state and other agencies heard their concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

Strikes have intensified in areas of Gaza City in recent weeks and dozens of Palestinians have been killed in attacks this week alone according to the Hamas-run health ministry and civil defence agency.

From BBC

Related Words

• bureau 
• company 
• department 
• firm 
• office