agency

[ ey-juhn-see ]

noun

, plural a·gen·cies.

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 Words From

• sub·a·gen·cy noun plural subagencies
• un·der·a·gen·cy noun plural underagencies

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

While the FCC is an independent agency that is overseen by Congress, Trump has suggested he wants to bring it under tighter White House control.

From Los Angeles Times

He wrote the Project 2025 chapter, "Executive Office of the President," supporting proposals to give the president total power over all federal agencies.

From Salon

In his state-of-the-nation address on Thursday, Ruto said the deals had been cancelled based on "new information provided by our investigative agencies and partner nations".

From BBC

It has led to recent attention from state and federal agencies looking to understand the causes, extent and potential solutions to the problem.

From Science Daily

Despite protests by employees of the agency she oversees, Ms. Buch has kept her job.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bureau
• company
• department
• firm
• office