DictionaryAI

agency

noun
AY-juhn-see/ˈeɪ.d͡ʒən.si/

Pluralagencies

5 meanings of agency

Practice

  1. 1
    government departmentnouncountable
    A part of the government that takes care of one type of work.

    Like one team in a big company that handles just one job.

    The space agency launched a new weather satellite.

    A government agency inspects restaurants for safety.

    UsageUse a capital letter in official names (the Environmental Protection Agency), not in general use (a government agency).

    Similardepartment, bureau, authority, body, office

    Note
  2. 2
    service businessnouncountable
    A business that does certain work or provides services for other people or companies.

    Like a helper who runs errands and makes deals for you.

    The travel agency booked our entire trip for us.

    She found her job through an employment agency downtown.

    UsageSay a travel agency or an agency worker.

    Similarfirm, bureau, office, company

    Note
  3. 3
    noununcountable
    The power to act and make your own choices.

    Like being the driver of your own life instead of just a passenger.

    Children gain more agency as they grow older.

    Having a steady job gave her a real sense of agency.

    UsageSay a sense of agency.

    Similarautonomy, independence, self-determination, control

    Oppositepowerlessness, helplessness

    Note
  4. 4
    representative rolenouncountable or uncountable
    The job of acting for someone else, or the link between a person and their agent.

    Like being chosen to speak and act for someone who is not there.

    The contract set out the terms of her agency for the company.

    The contract created an agency, so he could sign deals for her.

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    meansnoununcountable
    A way or means used to get something done.

    Like a tool that helps you finish a job.

    The disease spread through the agency of contaminated water.

    Real change came about through the agency of new laws.

    UsageSay through the agency of something.

    Similarmeans, instrumentality

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of agency apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin agere, meaning "to act." It came into English through Medieval Latin agentia.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts