resignation

noun

res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌre-zig-ˈnā-shən 

1

a

: an act or instance of resigning something : surrender

b

: a formal notification of resigning

2

: the quality or state of being resigned : submissiveness

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

The board accepted their resignations at the September meeting. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025

This is Fortune 500 Power Moves, a column tracking executive shifts—from appointments and promotions to resignations and retirements—within the highest ranks of Fortune 500 companies. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025

Conservatives and the Scottish National Party demanded Mandelson’s resignation, while the Liberal Democrats pressed for an investigation. —Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025

What's next The prime minister's resignation came a day after Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak also announced his decision to step down. —Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 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