# advisory

/ædˈvaɪzɝi/ (US) · /ɐdvˈaɪzəɹˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/advisory
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. official warning

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

an official announcement that warns people about a problem, like bad weather or a travel risk.

For teachers: an official announcement or report issued by an authority to provide information or warning about a specific hazard.

- The government issued a travel advisory because of the heavy snowstorm.
- The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory for the coastal counties, urging motorists to exercise extreme caution during the morning commute.

Usage: often used with specific modifiers like 'weather', 'travel', or 'security'

### 2. giving advice

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

having the power or duty to give advice rather than making final decisions.

For teachers: having the power or function of giving advice; recommendatory rather than executive or mandatory.

- She has an advisory role on the committee but she cannot vote.
- The board established an advisory council to provide expert guidance on environmental policy without granting them formal legislative power.

Usage: usually precedes the noun it modifies

### 3. containing advice

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

describing a document or message that gives suggestions or warnings.

For teachers: containing or consisting of advice or warnings.

- The bank sent an advisory letter to all customers about the new security rules.
- The department released an advisory memorandum detailing the potential risks associated with the new software update.

## Examples

- The government issued a travel advisory for the region.
- The weather service released a winter storm advisory warning residents of heavy snow and icy roads.
- Following the sudden outbreak of the virus, the health department issued a strict advisory recommending that all non-essential public gatherings be postponed until further notice.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.