Delegation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌde-li-ˈgā-shən/ del·e·ga·tion

Meaning & Definition of Delegation

Delegation (noun)

  1. the act of empowering to act for another
  2. a group of persons chosen to represent others

Delegation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a body of persons chosen as representatives of a larger group

    "a delegation from the local scout troop is being sent to the national jamboree"

    similar: contingent, delegacy
    related: embassy, legation, mission, band, company, crew, detachment, gang, outfit, party, squad, team

  2. the granting of power to perform various acts or duties

    "the delegation by the president to the secretary of state of complete control of the nation's foreign policy"

    similar: accreditation, authorization, commission, empowerment, license, mandate
    related: commendation, consignment, entrustment, facilitation, fostering, promotion, commanding, directing, ordering

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Delegation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Delegation:

contingent, delegacy, accreditation, authorization, commission, empowerment, license, mandate

Related Words for Delegation

embassy, legation, mission, band, company, crew, detachment, gang, outfit, party, squad, team, commendation, consignment, entrustment, facilitation, fostering, promotion, commanding, directing, ordering

Origin & Etymology of Delegation

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French delegacion "transmission, act of delegating," borrowed from Late Latin dēlēgātiōn-, dēlēgātiō "mandate, authority," going back to Latin, "assignment to a third party of the interest in or liability for a debt," from dēlēgāre "to assign (someone to a task), appoint, put in charge (of), entrust, transfer ownership (to)" + -tiōn-, tiō, suffix of verbal action delegate:2

First known use: 1555

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Delegation

Words & Phrases Containing Delegation

congressional delegation

Frequently Asked Questions about Delegation

What does "Delegation" mean?

"Delegation" means the act of empowering to act for another. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of empowering to act for another. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Delegation"?

Other words for "Delegation" include contingent, delegacy, accreditation, authorization, commission, empowerment, license and mandate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Delegation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Delegation"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Delegation". Common alternatives include contingent, delegacy, accreditation, authorization, commission, empowerment, license and mandate.

How do you use "Delegation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Delegation" in a sentence: "a delegation from the local scout troop is being sent to the national jamboree"; "the delegation by the president to the secretary of state of complete control of the nation's foreign policy".

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

"Delegation" is a noun.

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

As a C1-level word, "Delegation" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Delegation"?

"Delegation" is pronounced /ˌde-li-ˈgā-shən/ and divided into syllables as del·e·ga·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Delegation"?

"Delegation" comes from borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French delegacion "transmission, act of delegating," borrowed from Late Latin dēlēgātiōn-, dēlēgātiō "mandate, authority," going back to Latin, "assignment to a third party of the interest in or liability for a debt," from dēlēgāre "to assign (someone to a task), appoint, put in charge (of), entrust, transfer ownership (to)" + -tiōn-, tiō, suffix of verbal action delegate:2. First known use: 1555.