A water absorbing agent comprising a crosslinked polymer including a water-soluble vinyl monomer (a1) and/or a vinyl monomer (a2) that is formed into the water-soluble vinyl monomer (a1) by hydrolysis, and a crosslinking agent (b) as an essential constituting unit, wherein the following formulae (1) and (2) are satisfied; a process for its production, and absorbers and absorbent articles made by the water absorbing agent. (Y).gtoreq.-1.14(X)+69.5 (1) (X)=((x1).sup.2+4.times.(x2).sup.2).sup.1/2 (2) wherein (x1) denotes a water-retention amount (g/g) of the water absorbing agent after being soaked in a physiological saline for one hour; (x2) denotes an absorption amount (g/g) of the water absorbing agent after being soaked in a physiological saline under loading of 0.9 psi for one hour; and (Y) denotes a liquid permeation speed (ml/min) of a physiological saline after the water absorbing agent is soaked in a physiological saline under loading of 0.3 psi for one hour. The water-absorbing agent enables easy production of absorbent articles exhibiting high absorption performance in any state, and is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and other sanitary goods.