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

Lyles has not given a reason for her resignation beyond wanting to spend more time with her family. —Mary Ramsey updated June 22, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026

Starmer's resignation paves the way for Andy Burnham, who was sworn in as an MP on Monday, to become PM by mid-July if no leadership contest materializes. —Gail Krishnan, CNBC, 23 June 2026

In 1976, the Bicentennial followed the traumas of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal that had forced President Richard Nixon's resignation. —Susan Page, USA Today, 22 June 2026

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce a timetable for his resignation later today, leaving the country facing its sixth leader in seven years and further political instability. —Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 June 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