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

However, on Thursday night, protesters called for his resignation following the police killing of three demonstrators. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

Roughly 4,000 employees opted to take deferred resignation offers from the administration, for example, reducing the agency’s workforce by more than 20%. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 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. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

Following his staffers' resignation, Pruitt released a statement that his office already had applicants to fill the vacancies and would continue to carry out its duties. —Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 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