resignation

noun

res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌre-zig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce resignation (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One method for shrinking the staff will be to offer a voluntary deferred resignation program to employees of the Federal Reserve Board who would be fully eligible to retire at the end of 2027. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 16 May 2025 One of the nonprofits that received millions from the Hope Florida Foundation last year took in and spent the money without the knowledge of its board of directors, the group’s chairman wrote Wednesday in a resignation letter. Alexandra Glorioso, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025 These visits have helped bolster Mr. Vucic’s standing amid the protesters’ calls for his resignation. Pavle Kosic, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Even limited ceasefire proposals have ignited threats of resignation from key ultranationalists like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for resignation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of resignation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Resignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resignation. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

resignation

noun
res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌrez-ig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce resignation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on resignation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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