English Reference
noun

advocacy

n.
US /ˈædvəkəsi/ UK /ˈædvəkəsi/ ad·vo·ca·cy UK spelling advocacies

  1. 01 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    public support for an idea, a plan, or a way of doing something.

    the act of pleading or arguing in favour of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; often used in political or social contexts.

    Simple

    Her advocacy for clean water led to new laws in the city.

    In context

    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'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced TechnicalFormal Law

    the work of helping people speak up for themselves or representing them in a legal way.

    the profession or work of an advocate; specifically, the act of representing the interests of a person or group in legal or social systems.

    Simple

    The charity provides free advocacy for people who cannot afford a lawyer.

    In context

    Effective legal advocacy requires not only a deep knowledge of the law but also the ability to communicate complex arguments clearly to a jury.

    Teacher's tip

    In social work, this specifically refers to helping vulnerable people express their needs and secure their rights.

Usage advocacy groups · advocacy group

Both Charles and William have been praised for their environmental advocacy.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

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.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

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.

This entry
Origin la-med advocātia
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated