Agency vs Authority

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Agency

Top 2,000 (common) B2 noun

Authority

Top 2,000 (common) B1 noun

	Agency	Authority
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/ˈeɪdʒənsi/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈeɪdʒənsi/"]/	🇬🇧 //əˈθɔːrɪti// 🇺🇸 //əˈθɔːrɪti//
Meaning	The ability to make choices and take action.	The power or right to give orders and make decisions.
Example	She works for an **advertising agency**.	The teacher has authority over the students.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 2,000 (common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	B2	B1
Part of speech	noun	noun
Collocations	official, federal, government, through an/​the agency, official, federal, government, through an/​the agency	exercise authority, recognize authority, challenge authority
Antonyms	powerlessness, ineffectiveness	powerlessness, subordination
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.	Confused with 'author' - authority refers to power, not authorship., Misused in singular form; should often use 'authorities' for multiple groups or people.
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.	Used in both formal and informal contexts. Often refers to organizations or individuals in positions of power.

See it in real clips

Anyway, as I was telling you, in an agency, when we reach a point like this...

Agency

The Lord Of The Rings › The return of the king

Authority is not given to you to deny

Agent Carter › S1 E1

Port authority says Roxxon Refinery just blew up.

You have a problem with authority, Mr. Anderson.

The Lord Of The Rings › The return of the king

Authority is not given to you to deny

Agent Carter › S1 E1

Port authority says Roxxon Refinery just blew up.

Authority

Frequently asked questions: Agency vs Authority

What's the difference between Agency and Authority?

Agency: The ability to make choices and take action. Authority: The power or right to give orders and make decisions.

Which is more advanced: Agency and Authority?

Agency is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Agency and Authority the same CEFR level?

Agency: B2, Authority: B1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Agency and Authority?

Agency: noun, Authority: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Agency: She works for an **advertising agency**. Authority: The teacher has authority over the students.

Can I use Agency and Authority interchangeably?

Not always. Agency and Authority are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.