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

As the commission moved toward a vote on the plan, there was a certain resignation among the ballroom skeptics, who knew that they were outnumbered. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Even with Lombardi’s resignation, the probe launched by UNC’s Office of University Counsel will proceed, the school confirmed. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

The prime minister raised the death toll to 141 amid conflicting intelligence accounts, mounting humanitarian strain in Ceuta and opposition calls for his resignation and early elections ahead of a national vote next year. — Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

A day earlier, tens of thousands of Spaniards in cities across the country joined protests against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ceuta, demanding solutions and Sánchez's resignation. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

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