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

Focus on the Family, Family Research Council and California Family Council have invested years and millions of dollars into messaging, advocacy and legal efforts surrounding the issue. —Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Modern slavery reform Down Under A coalition of 100 investors, businesses, unions and advocacy groups is calling for major reforms to Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, arguing that current laws are insufficient to combat exploitation in corporate supply chains. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 1 June 2026

The Department would like to thank the sponsors, Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton and Representative Bob Morgan, and Representative Tom Weber, for their partnership and advocacy. —Tara Molina, CBS News, 1 June 2026

SparkEffect's 2025 Trust Research Report found that high-trust organizations reported 97% confidence in financial performance compared to just 46% for low-trust organizations, a 51-point gap with direct implications for retention, customer advocacy, and market reputation. —Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 1 June 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