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

The administration's decision to focus its follow-up investigation on Good, rather than the shooting, contributed to a wave of resignations by career Justice Department attorneys who opposed the decision, CBS News has learned. —Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026

On July 25, 2019, protesters remained in the streets despite the fact that Rosselló had already announced his impending resignation. —Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026

Subsequently, a sustained campaign was launched by the conservative right that attacked her expertise and character, which catalyzed her resignation under pressure. —Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

The New York Times first reported the agent’s resignation. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 24 Jan. 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