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

The resignations follow the Trump administration's plan to reduce the federal workforce and implement cuts recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). —Chandelis Duster, NPR, 27 July 2025

The incident resulted in the resignations of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and its head of HR Kristin Cabot after the two were allegedly spotted on the kiss cam together. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 26 July 2025

The makeup of the Senate stands at 33 Democrats and 32 Republicans following Mitchell’s resignation and the unexpected death of Sen. Bruce Anderson, R-Buffalo, this week. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 26 July 2025

One of metro Detroit’s two main bus systems will have a new leader beginning next month after the unexpected resignation of a top official this week. —Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 26 July 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