ˈeɪ.dʒən.si ɪnstɹʊmɛnˈtalɪti miːnz ˈsʌbstəns to have the ability to produce a particular effect or achieve an end a means of control an example is the best agency of instruction the true way to success an artifact (that is instrumental in accomplishing some end) for accomplishing some end considerable capital (wealth or income) he is a man of means