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

From Karla Sofía Gascón’s car crash awards campaign, to the gawp-inducing resignation of the BBC’s top brass, and a new birth for James Bond, here’s a rundown of the WTF moments that shook the global film and TV industry. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025

There is also growing concern within the House Republican caucus that Greene’s announcement is a canary in the coal mine and that multiple resignations will follow. —Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025

Councilmembers Sue Wilson, Doria Robinson and Claudia Jimenez similarly condemned Martinez’s posts, but fell short of calling for either his resignation or censure. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025

While Kansans celebrate the major development, Missouri officials are responding with resignation, blame and sadness. —The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Dec. 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