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

Last week, there were reports in at least three other counties — Brevard, Leon and Palm Beach — that 2026 court elections were being canceled as resignations and retirements of circuit court judges, right before the qualifying period, created vacancies that mandate gubernatorial appointments. —Norine Dworkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026

Following Tomlin's resignation, the Steelers hired Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy as his replacement. —Mike Darnay, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

Bokhari represented District 6 in south Charlotte from 2017 until his resignation in 2025. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026

Currently, the state is represented by 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one other seat becoming vacant recently following a Democratic lawmaker's resignation. —Douglas Soule, NPR, 27 Apr. 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