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

The advocacy group, part of the Safe Farms, Safe Food coalition, offers clues to some of the chemicals that could have been in play during the recent storms. —Thomas Heaton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

The expansion was announced in June 2025 after years of advocacy, from fans to comedian Wanda Skyes to Mayor Cherelle Parker. —Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026

And if that fails, a consumer advocacy group like ours can help hold companies accountable. —Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026

Nonprofit organizations and patient advocacy groups may also offer or list assistance tailored to specific conditions or medications. —Deidre Popovich, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 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