Agency Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈædʒənsi/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A organization or business that provides a specific service or set of services, often related to representation, management, or coordination of activities, people, or resources.

Examples

• The entertainment agency booked the band for the corporate event.
• The real estate agency helped the couple find their dream home.

Synonyms

• Firm
• Office
• Organization

Antonyms

• Sole propriety
• Individuation

Additional Information

Agencies can operate in various industries, such as talent management, real estate, financial services, or transportation. They often provide specialized expertise, resources, and services to their clients. In a broader sense, an agency can also refer to an organization that represents the interests of a group or individual, such as a government agency or a regulatory body.

Agencies can be further classified into different types, such as staffing agencies, recruitment agencies, or talent agencies, each with their own specific focus and services.

Etymology

The word “agency” comes from the Latin word “agens”, which means “doer” or “performer”. It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to a person or organization that acts on behalf of another.

Usage Notes

When using the word “agency”, it’s essential to specify what type of agency is being referred to, as the term can be quite general. For example, you might say “talent agency” or “real estate agency” to provide more context.

Cultural References

The concept of agency has been explored in various forms of media, such as literature (e.g., “The Agency” by Y.S. Lee), film (e.g., “The Bourne Identity”), and television (e.g., “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”)..

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“On the agency’s dime” refers to something that is paid for or sponsored by the agency, whereas “on your own agency” means taking initiative or responsibility for one’s own actions.

Related Words or Phrases

• Commission
• Representation
• Brokerage

Collocations

• Agency contract
• Agency relationship
• Agency fees

Frequency of Use

The word “agency” is commonly used in business and professional contexts, especially in industries that rely heavily on representation, coordination, and management.

Common Misspellings

• Agecy
• Ajency