WordGarden.ioadvisory
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ədvˈaɪzərˌi/
US
- /ædˈvaɪzəri/
Meanings
Adjective
giving advice or recommendations without having final decision-making power
Noun
an official warning or bulletin giving practical guidance about a possible risk
Beyond the definition
An advisory isn't an order—it's a formal notice or a specific type of helpful suggestion given by experts. Think of a travel advisory before going to another country: it doesn't forbid you from traveling, but it warns you about potential dangers and recommends precautions.
You will mostly see this word used in two ways: as a noun referring to an official alert (like a "flood advisory" from the weather service) or as an adjective describing a helpful role (like a "financial advisory board"). The key is that an advisory provides information to help you make a decision, usually without being a direct command.
The word "advisory" describes something that offers advice, guidance, or a recommendation—but generally lacks the force of a strict law or rule. It comes from the verb "advise," meaning to offer counsel.
You will most often encounter "advisory" in official or professional contexts. As a noun, it refers to a formal notice, bulletin, or alert. Governments issue travel advisories about safety in foreign countries (warning of crime or political instability), meteorologists issue weather advisories about storms, and organizations may publish security advisories about vulnerabilities. These aren't usually prohibitions; they're meant to help people make informed, safer choices.
As an adjective, it describes a body, service, or document that gives guidance rather than making the final decision. A "financial advisory firm" helps clients manage money, an "advisory committee" recommends policies, and an "advisory opinion" offers an interpretation without being binding. In these cases, the advisory party suggests the plan, but someone else typically has the authority to approve and execute it.
Unlike the general word "advice," which you can get from a friend, parent, or teacher, an "advisory" usually implies a higher level of formality, official status, and specific expertise.
Examples
- 1
Company role
She now has an advisory role in the company, helping managers make long-term plans.
- 2
Civic feedback
The city created an advisory committee to gather feedback from local residents.
- 3
Hospital board
He serves on the hospital's advisory board.
- Patternserve on + board/committee
be a member of it
- 4
Startup advice
The firm provides advisory services for startups that are looking for investors.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Weather warning
The weather agency issued a flood advisory for the coast.
- Patternissue an advisory
officially announce a warning or advice
See also
Similar
- consultative
- recommendatory
Shades of meaning
- nonbinding
- informational
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- advisory board
- advisory committee
- advisory role
- advisory capacity
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- advisorynounadjective
Forms
- advisoriespluralnounadjective