agenda
noun (countable)
UK/əˈdʒen.də/US/əˈdʒen.də/
a list of items or topics to be discussed, done, or prioritized, often in a meeting or plan; can also refer to an underlying motive or personal intention behind actions
Example Sentences
The committee prepared an agenda to ensure the meeting would cover all pressing issues.
He suspected there was a hidden agenda behind her sudden interest in the project.
Before the conference call, everyone received a copy of the detailed agenda via email.
The manager wanted to stick strictly to the agenda to keep the meeting short and productive.
Some team members added items to the agenda at the last minute, causing slight confusion among attendees.
The teacher shared the class agenda for the week, outlining upcoming exams, project deadlines, and group activities, helping students stay organized and plan their study time effectively.
Corporate events often rely on a structured agenda to coordinate presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, giving participants a clear timeline for the day’s activities.
Politicians may have a public agenda, but critics argue that personal or party interests sometimes shape their true motives and policy decisions.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A structured list of items or issues to be discussed, addressed, or prioritized.Use “agenda” to outline tasks, topics, or goals—especially in organizational or formal contexts. In business meetings, agendas help participants know in advance the items for discussion, ensuring preparation and time management. A meeting leader might say, “Today’s agenda includes quarterly sales reports and budget planning.” In personal productivity, an agenda can act as a day planner, clarifying priorities and deadlines. Outside of scheduling, the word can imply underlying motives, as in “He might have his own agenda,” suggesting hidden intentions. When writing an agenda, break down each point clearly, assigning estimated time frames, responsible parties, and necessary resources. Keep the document concise but thorough, ensuring participants or readers understand the order, context, and relevance of each topic. Regularly reviewing and adjusting an agenda can help maintain focus and progress. Whether for corporate boardrooms, school projects, or weekend planning, an agenda brings structure, accountability, and efficiency to practically any venture or interaction.
Alternatives
If you’re seeking synonyms or related expressions, consider “schedule,” “program,” or “itinerary.” “Schedule” typically emphasizes a sequence of events or tasks by time, like a class timetable or daily plan. “Program” can convey a formal list of proceedings at an event—such as a conference schedule—highlighting specific segments or presentations. “Itinerary” points to a detailed route or plan, most often for travel or a trip but also occasionally used for structured event schedules. For personal use, “to-do list” might replace “agenda” in a casual context, centering on tasks. “Game plan” suggests a strategic approach, implying readiness for potential challenges. Each alternative focuses on organization and order, but the nuance varies: “agenda” feels especially suited to meetings or structured group settings, while “schedule” and “itinerary” can lean more toward time-based plans. Picking the right term hinges on how formal the context is, whether time structure is key, and if there’s a need to signal broader goals or motivations. In both formal and informal usage, each word conveys a sense of preparedness, aiming to keep a person or group on track.
Writing
When incorporating “agenda” into your writing, clarity is paramount. In a formal piece—such as meeting minutes, event planning documents, or policy proposals—introduce the agenda early on. If you list multiple items, number them or use bullet points to keep the sequence clear. For example, “The committee’s agenda for the session includes reviewing last week’s minutes, discussing budget allocations, and setting upcoming deadlines.” This approach helps readers quickly understand the priorities and the logical flow. In an academic or analytical essay, “agenda” might highlight social or political motivations—perhaps analyzing a leader’s underlying objectives or discussing the ‘agenda’ set by media outlets. Provide context: “The candidate’s political agenda focuses on economic reform and environmental policies,” ensuring readers grasp the intentions behind proposed actions. In more creative or narrative-driven work, you can play with the term figuratively. A character might have a hidden agenda, adding intrigue to the plot. Throughout your writing, be consistent in how you reference and format agendas—especially if they’re tied to specific outcomes or deadlines. This cohesion enhances readability and ensures that your audience easily tracks each goal, topic, or hidden motive you introduce. By grounding your references to “agenda” in concrete details—who sets it, why it matters, and what outcomes it shapes—you lend both structure and depth to your text, guiding readers through organized points or unveiling layered intentions in a storyline.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “agenda” usually refers to a game plan or list of objectives, though it sounds slightly more formal than ‘to-do list.’ You might say, “What’s on the agenda for today?” while deciding how to tackle errands or coordinate family activities. If you’re planning a weekend getaway with friends, you could casually mention, “Our agenda is to hit the beach, grab seafood, and maybe check out the local museum.” In social contexts, “agenda” can also hint at someone’s hidden intentions—like “I think they have an agenda of their own,” meaning you suspect someone’s pushing a personal motive behind their suggestions. While some folks use “agenda” interchangeably with “schedule,” the nuance is that an agenda leans more toward organizing topics or goals rather than strictly assigning time slots. If you’re in a meeting setting, even a relaxed one like a club gathering, you might still ask, “Do we have an agenda to follow?” to keep things organized. Used in moderation, it’s an easy way to bring clarity to group plans without sounding overly formal or uptight. Whether tackling daily tasks or bigger plans, sprinkling “agenda” into casual chats can underscore a sense of purpose, ensuring everyone’s on the same page about what comes next.
Etymology
The word “agenda” comes from Latin, where it was originally the plural form of “agendum,” meaning “something to be done.” It’s derived from “agere,” a verb meaning “to do,” “to drive,” or “to act.” In classical Latin texts, agenda encompassed the tasks and considerations that required action. Over time, usage evolved into a single, collective noun referring to the series of items or issues awaiting attention—hence how modern English speakers treat “agenda” as singular, describing the plan or itinerary for a meeting or event. By the 19th century, it was well established in the context of formal meetings, referencing the outline of discussion topics. Later, “agenda” also came to embody broader motivations or objectives, reflecting the sense of “things to be accomplished.” Now, in everyday language, it keeps much of its functional heritage, guiding gatherings, highlighting intentions, or symbolizing hidden motives. Behind each usage lies the original meaning of action: an agenda always points to something needing to be done or addressed, preserving its core idea of “to act” in both mundane and strategic contexts.
