Word
advocacy
Phoneticsad·vo·ca·cy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈædvəkəsi/
UK/ˈædvəkəsi/
Definitions
01support for a cause
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
n. public support for an idea, a plan, or a way of doing something.
n. the act of pleading or arguing in favour of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; often used in political or social contexts.
“Her advocacy for clean water led to new laws in the city.”
“The group's tireless advocacy for environmental reform eventually forced the government to reconsider its stance on carbon emissions.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'for'.
Antonyms
02representing others
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Technical · Formal
n. the work of helping people speak up for themselves or representing them in a legal way.
n. the profession or work of an advocate; specifically, the act of representing the interests of a person or group in legal or social systems.
“The charity provides free advocacy for people who cannot afford a lawyer.”
“Effective legal advocacy requires not only a deep knowledge of the law but also the ability to communicate complex arguments clearly to a jury.”
Teaching tip
In social work, this specifically refers to helping vulnerable people express their needs and secure their rights.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “advocacy” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Both Charles and William have been praised for their environmental advocacy.” “But the effort to tear up the lanes covering 19km (12 miles) of road was paused after cycling advocacy organisations levelled a legal challenge against the province.” “Jake Scott serves on the board of Vaccinate Your Family, a nonprofit vaccine advocacy organization.” “But the author maintains that Kellor’s identity as a lesbian influenced her lifelong advocacy on behalf of outsiders.” Etymology
From Middle English advocacie, advocacye, advocatye, from Middle French advocacie, advocatie, avocacie and Medieval Latin advocātia; equivalent to advocate + -cy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/advocacy