Agency — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈā-jən(t)-sē/ agen·cy

Meaning & Definition of Agency

Agency (noun)

  1. the office or function of an agent
  2. the relationship between a principal and that person's agent
  3. the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power, operation

Agency (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization

    "the federal agency charged with enforcing laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms"

    similar: arm, branch, bureau, department, desk, division, office, service
    related: subdepartment, subdivision

  2. something used to achieve an end

    "by what agency do you plan to acquire this fortune?"

    similar: agent, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle
    related: determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool, weapon, activator, animator, catalyst, driver, energizer, executor, generator, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, instigator, launcher, mover, power, stimulus, trigger, antecedent, cause, occasion, reason, subagency, subagent

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Agency

The most common words with a similar meaning to Agency:

arm, branch, bureau, department, desk, division, office, service, agent, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle

Related Words for Agency

subdepartment, subdivision, determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool, weapon, activator, animator, catalyst, driver, energizer, executor, generator, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, instigator, launcher, mover, power, stimulus, trigger, antecedent, cause, occasion

Word Forms of Agency

Inflections: agencies

Origin & Etymology of Agency

ag(ent) + -ency, perhaps after Medieval Latin agentia, derivative of agent-, agens agent

First known use: 1600

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Agency

Words & Phrases Containing Agency

agency shop, employment agency, news agency, ticket agency, travel agency, ad agency, advertising agency, dating agency, press agency

Frequently Asked Questions about Agency

What does "Agency" mean?

"Agency" means the office or function of an agent. As a noun, it is defined as: the office or function of an agent. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Agency"?

Other words for "Agency" include arm, branch, bureau, department, desk, division, office and service. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Agency" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Agency"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Agency". Common alternatives include arm, branch, bureau, department, desk, division, office, service, agent and instrument.

How do you use "Agency" in a sentence?

Examples of "Agency" in a sentence: "the federal agency charged with enforcing laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms"; "by what agency do you plan to acquire this fortune?".

Is "Agency" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Agency" is a noun.

Is "Agency" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Agency" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Agency"?

"Agency" is pronounced /ˈā-jən(t)-sē/ and divided into syllables as agen·cy.

What is the origin of the word "Agency"?

"Agency" comes from ag(ent) + -ency, perhaps after Medieval Latin agentia, derivative of agent-, agens agent. First known use: 1600.