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agency
noun
Synonyms
Examples of agency in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'agency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing agency
Dictionary Entries Near agency
Cite this Entry
“Agency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agency. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
agency
nounLegal Definition
agency
nounNote: A principal is bound by and liable for acts of his or her agent that are within the scope of the agency.
Note: A principal has a duty to correct a third party's mistaken belief in an agent's authority to act on the principal's behalf. If the principal could have corrected the misunderstanding but failed to do so, he or she is estopped from denying the existence of the agency and is bound by the agent's acts in dealing with the third party.
Note: Many businesses that use the term agency are not truly agencies as defined in sense 2.
called also administrative agency
see also enabling statute, exhaustion of remedies, Administrative Procedure ActNote: When a legislature determines that government involvement is needed in a particular social activity or problem, it may write legislation creating an agency either directly or by authorizing the executive to set it up. Agencies exist at the federal, state, and local levels. Most federal agencies are attached to the executive branch of government. Some agencies (such as the Environmental Protection Agency) are called an agency. An agency may, however, be called such other names as board (as the National Labor Relations Board), commission (as the Securities and Exchange Commission), administration (as the Social Security Administration), and service (as the Internal Revenue Service). Agencies at the federal level are governed by the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, which is found at title 5 of the U.S. Code.
More from Merriam-Webster on agency
Nglish: Translation of agency for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of agency for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agency
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