agency

The word “agency” means a business or organization that provides a particular service, often acting on behalf of others. In plain terms, either a business that acts on your behalf, or the personal power to act and choose for yourself.

“Agency” is pronounced AY-juhn-see (/ˈeɪ.d͡ʒən.si/ in IPA).

Here is “agency” used in a sentence: “She booked the holiday through a travel agency.”

Words with a similar meaning to “agency” include action, activity, agent, agentship, cause and device.

The opposite of “agency” — its antonyms — is nonagency.

“Agency” is a noun.

The word “agency” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin agentia, built from Latin agens ("acting"), the present participle of agere ("to act, do") — the same root as "agent.".

“Agency” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

Every agency is a kind of company, but the word 'agency' highlights that it acts on behalf of clients — an advertising agency runs campaigns for other businesses, for example. A plain 'company' may make or sell its own products directly. 'Agency' stresses the role of representing or serving others.

Agencies are usually named after the service they provide. Common examples include advertising and marketing agencies, travel agencies, employment or staffing agencies, real-estate agencies, and insurance agencies. The word also covers government agencies — public bodies such as tax, security, or environmental departments that carry out official functions.

A travel agency booking trips for customers is a familiar example, as is an advertising agency creating campaigns for brands. Government agencies, such as a space agency or an intelligence agency, are public organizations carrying out specific official duties on behalf of the state.