agency
noun (countable)
UK/ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/US/ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/
the capacity or ability of individuals or groups to act independently, make their own free choices, and exert power or influence within a given context (often used in psychology, sociology, or philosophy)
Example Sentences
In psychology, the concept of personal agency highlights an individual’s ability to make choices and shape their own life path.
Communities often feel a greater sense of agency when they can directly influence local policies.
Philosophers debate the extent of human agency within societal and biological constraints.
Empowering students in the classroom can foster a sense of agency, motivating them to engage deeply with their own learning.
The protagonist’s struggle for agency is a central theme in many coming-of-age novels.
Individual agency may diminish under oppressive regimes, where choices and freedoms are severely restricted, prompting discussions on human rights and autonomy.
Cultivating agency in children involves allowing them to make small decisions, learn from mistakes, and develop a healthy sense of confidence and responsibility.
As technology rapidly evolves, questions arise about whether algorithms and AI reduce human agency by shaping our choices and filtering information according to complex data-driven processes.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
An entity that offers services or the power to act autonomously.Use “agency” to highlight either a professional service provider (e.g., an advertising agency) or the capacity to make independent choices (e.g., personal agency). In a business context, it might refer to specialized firms such as travel agencies or recruitment agencies, offering specific services and expertise. When discussing human behavior or social issues, “agency” underscores an individual’s ability to influence and shape their circumstances, rather than being a passive recipient of external forces. In academic or philosophical writing, it often denotes self-determination and autonomy—critical in fields like psychology, sociology, or ethics. For instance, you might say, “Her sense of agency increased once she gained financial independence,” showing that she has more control over her life decisions. In everyday usage, agency can appear in casual discourse to discuss empowerment, as in, “I really felt like I had no agency in that situation.” Whether referencing a formal organization or an internal capacity for self-determination, “agency” points to the power, authority, and freedom to take action and effect change.
Alternatives
Depending on context, synonyms or related terms can bring out different nuances of “agency.” When you’re referring to professional services, words like “firm,” “bureau,” or “office” may fit, though these focus more on the organizational side rather than the dynamic notion of power to act. If you want to emphasize independence or self-determination, you might turn to “autonomy,” “self-efficacy,” or “empowerment.” “Autonomy” stresses freedom from external control, highlighting self-governance. “Self-efficacy” points to confidence in one’s abilities, while “empowerment” underscores the process of gaining authority or power over one’s circumstances. In conversations around social or political activism, “voice,” “choice,” or “capacity” might help emphasize the personal dimension of taking action. Each alternative frames the concept of “agency” in a particular light—be it organizational, psychological, or social—so aligning your term with your focus and audience ensures clarity. Selecting the most fitting synonym can refine your communication, highlighting either the operational aspect of an institution or the empowering essence of individual will.
Writing
When writing about “agency,” clarity regarding its intended meaning is crucial. In an analytical essay, specify whether you’re discussing personal agency—such as an individual’s power to make life choices—or an institution like an advertising agency. For instance, if you are exploring literature, you might analyze how a character’s sense of agency evolves, using examples of how they gain or lose control over their fate. In business or policy papers, detailing an agency’s scope, mission, and operational structure helps your reader understand the services provided and the influence of that organization in a particular sector. Moreover, if the topic is philosophical or sociological, carefully outline your definition: “agency” often intersects with discussions of free will, responsibility, and social constraints. You can support your arguments with real-world cases, personal anecdotes, or empirical studies illustrating individuals (or groups) exerting agency in challenging environments. By linking clear examples to the concept, readers see how “agency” is not just theoretical but shapes real outcomes—decisions, power dynamics, and social change. Ultimately, using “agency” effectively in writing entails pinpointing which aspect you’re highlighting (organizational or personal autonomy) and illustrating it with sufficient context, so your message remains precise and persuasive.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “agency” usually pops up when talking about someone taking control of their choices or life situation. A friend might say, “I want more agency at work,” meaning they desire more freedom or authority in their role. You could also hear it in discussions about relationships—“I feel like I don’t have any agency in deciding where we go on weekends,” pointing to frustration with a lack of input. While it sounds slightly more formal than words like “power” or “control,” it’s still understandable in casual settings, especially if you’re talking about personal decision-making or empowerment. When discussing organizations—like a talent agency or real estate agency—casual conversation often just says “agency” to refer to a place that provides specific services. For instance, “I’m working with a modeling agency right now,” is simple and direct. If you want to convey that you’re actively steering your own path, a quick “I’m finally taking agency over my career” can be a concise way to say you’re in the driver’s seat. While it can sound more serious than everyday slang, “agency” is increasingly common in daily talk about autonomy and empowerment, bridging formal and informal contexts with relative ease.
Etymology
“Agency” traces back to the Medieval Latin “agentia,” built on the Latin “agens,” meaning “one who acts” or “actor.” As it filtered into Middle French and subsequently English, “agency” developed into a noun signifying both the capacity to act (or exert power) and the office or function of a person who acts on behalf of others. In older legal and commercial usage, it primarily denoted the role of an agent working for a principal—think of a legal agent who negotiates contracts. Over time, the term broadened to encompass various organizational forms (like advertising agencies) and conceptual frameworks (like personal agency in philosophy and social science). Today, “agency” unites the idea of purposeful action—an individual or institution taking steps toward a goal—with the structural notion of being empowered or authorized to represent, influence, or decide. The word’s deep historical roots in “action” remain visible in contemporary contexts, whether referencing a person’s ability to shape their own destiny or describing a business that facilitates specific services. In both senses, “agency” underscores an active, driving force, reflecting a heritage that connects human will, organizational representation, and the greater ability to effect change.