Meaning & use
agency
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The capacity of a person to act independently and make their own free choices.
See it in a sentence
The novel explores how little agency the character had over her own future.
Therapists often help clients rebuild a sense of agency after trauma.
A note on using this word
In philosophy and social science, "agency" refers to personal control over one's actions; in everyday business contexts it instead names an organization, such as a travel agency.
Words with a similar meaning
autonomyself-determination
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
helplessness
Another way to use it
2. noun
A business or organization that provides a particular service, especially on behalf of others.
She booked the trip through a local travel agency.
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