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

Major animal advocacy groups, including the ASPCA, have come out in opposition to the Farm Bill, urging action against the move to kill Prop 12. —Mikayla Price, CBS News, 18 May 2026

Your case shows that persistence, clear documentation and advocacy can make a real difference — even when an airline mishandles a medical refund request. —Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 18 May 2026

The nonprofit, which is the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, received 8,683 complaints nationwide in 2025, according to the report. —James Powel, USA Today, 18 May 2026

This was Marwaha’s first time testifying before a legislative committee in Sacramento, but he’s been involved in other advocacy work, including sitting on the statewide board for the California Association of Student Councils under the Department of Education. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 18 May 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