Agenda

On this page

• Origin of the word
• Meanings
• Singular form
• Plural form
• Additional information

Origin of the word

The word agenda comes from the Latin agendum, a singular word which meant “something that needs to be done.” The plural of agendum was agenda, which therefore represented a list of items that needed to be dealt with.

Meanings

The word agenda has several meanings. It can refer to:

1. a list of things to be done

• Improving workplace accessibility is at the top of her agenda this year.

2. a list of items for discussion at a meeting

• Put hiring process on the agenda for today’s meeting.

3. a plan of action

• The new government has set a very ambitious agenda for the environment.

4. someone’s underlying intentions or motives, often ideological

• The proposal was criticized for hiding a political agenda.

5. a book in which to organize work and appointments

• Electronic agendas allow you to categorize tasks and set deadline reminders.

Singular form

Today, agenda is considered a singular noun and takes a singular verb:

• What’s on the agenda for today?
• The meeting agenda lists the topics to be covered in order of importance.

Plural form

The plural form of agenda is agendas:

• We ordered new agendas for next year.
• The mediator worked to keep the discussion open and free of hidden agendas.

Additional information

• Meetings: Preparing the agenda