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

Earlier this year, an intelligence sector whistleblower filed a complaint that Gabbard was withholding intelligence for political reasons, a complaint that prompted calls from Democrats for Gabbard's resignation. —Arkansas Online, 23 May 2026

Fils, his face a picture of resignation on the dais, did not give a timetable for his return. —Ava Wallace, New York Times, 23 May 2026

Sources confirmed Friday that Johnson asked for Ige’s resignation, effective immediately. —A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026

Possible changes for homeless response Bates’ impending resignation comes while change has been brewing at both the local and federal level around homelessness. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 22 May 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