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 move represents years of advocacy on behalf of Anna Wintour to elevate the profile of the Costume Institute, which had been relegated to the museum's basement. —Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026

Raman's support has primarily come from advocacy groups like Streets For All, The Prohousing Democratic Caucus of California and Abundant Housing LA. —Austin Turner, CBS News, 4 May 2026

On May 3, advocacy group Columbus Georgia Indivisibles announced Taylor was not deported, and instead was released back to his family after 15 months in the ICE detention center. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 May 2026

As an accountant and auditor with a background in housing advocacy, my oversight work is informed by financial materiality and community input. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 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