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

Trudeau, who announced his resignation as prime minister amid political pressure in January 2025, and his wife Sophie Grégoire announced their separation in August 2023. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Foster blamed much of the delay on turnover at the commission, including the resignations of Executive Director Paul Parker and General Counsel Duane Bennett in late 2024. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026

In the last few months, the City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey have fought over eviction notices, the reappointment of the commissioner of public safety, and most recently the resignation of Police Chief Brian O'Hara. —Ashley Grams, CBS News, 8 June 2026

Sierra’s letter does not name former state treasurer Shawn Wooden, who submitted his resignation from the Pension Commission late last month. —Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 8 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