advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē 

: the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal : the act or process of advocating (see advocate entry 2) something

known for his advocacy of gay rights

Examples of advocacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Generously give credit to others, as this social intelligence builds trust and advocacy. — Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

As a result of Holzman’s advocacy and Dylan’s example, the singer-songwriter movement was born, once again proving that American music is defined not by its adherence to the past, but by its capacity for reinvention. — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Oceana, an international advocacy group, conducted a 2017 study on the economic impact of shark diving in Florida, citing more than 200 responding shark-diving companies. — Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Nick Lapis, director of advocacy at Californians Against Waste, which co-sponsored the bill, said food labels are the leading cause of household food waste. — Olga R. Rodriguez, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English advocacie "intercession," borrowed from Anglo-French advocassie "pleading," borrowed from Medieval Latin advocatia "patronage," from Latin advocātus advocate entry 1 + -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing advocacy

• advocacy journalism

Kids Definition

advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē 

: the act or process of advocating : support

Legal Definition

advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē 

1

: the profession or work of an advocate

2

: the action of advocating, pleading for, or supporting a cause or proposal

a consequence of his moving advocacy

—W. O. Douglas