resignation

noun

res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌre-zig-ˈnā-shən 

1

a

: an act or instance of resigning something : surrender

The Board accepted the CEO's resignation.

b

: a formal notification of resigning

I turned in my resignation.

2

: the quality or state of being resigned : submissiveness

accepted the news with resignation

Examples of resignation in a Sentence

The chairman accepted their resignations.

The manager received resignations from three members of the staff.

We accepted the news with resignation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Davie has faced a number of major scandals since being named director general in 2020, including the resignation of the BBC’s top new anchor Huw Edwards and accusations of bias from both sides over its coverage of the war in Gaza. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025

On Sunday, Leavitt posted a brief response to X, presenting the headline from the Telegraph article, followed by the BBC article announcing Davie’s resignation. —Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025

In news that sent shockwaves through the UK media industry, Tim Davie announced his resignation on Sunday amid the growing scandal. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 Nov. 2025

But tension from within the sheriff’s office boiled over and reached the public in November 2024, when then-Chief Deputy Kevin Canty resigned, sent McFadden a harsh resignation letter and copied the entire sheriff’s office to the email. —Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for resignation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

resignation

noun

res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌrez-ig-ˈnā-shən 

1

a

: an act of resigning

b

: a formal notice of this act

2

: the quality or the feeling of a person who is resigned