B2noun2K

Agency

UK /["/ˈeɪdʒənsi/"]/US /["/ˈeɪdʒənsi/"]/

Definition

a business or an organization that provides a particular service especially when representing other businesses or organizations

In simple words: The ability to make choices and take action.

Examples

  • She works for an **advertising agency**.
  • He managed to find a job through an agency.
  • I've signed up with a temping agency.
  • Details of the problem will be logged by the Help Desk staff who will then contact the appropriate agency.
  • **law enforcement agencies**
  • Some laboratories are operated by **government agencies**.
  • He obtained his position through the agency of an old friend.

Usage notes

Used in contexts related to control and decision-making. Can refer to organizations (like an agency) or personal autonomy. Avoid when discussing only organizations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'agency' as 'act and see' — you take action to see results.

Collocations

  • official
  • federal
  • government
  • through an/​the agency
  • official
  • federal
  • government
  • through an/​the agency

Synonyms

  • autonomy
  • control
  • influence
  • authority
  • capacity

Antonyms

  • powerlessness
  • ineffectiveness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'agencies' as only organizations; forgets personal meaning.
  • Using 'agency' in plural when referring to the concept of choice.
  • Misunderstanding 'agency' as a physical place only.